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Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Perhaps it's not a good idea to read into how, according to Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Giants were the first of the seven finalists to meet with Ohtani.

Alternatively: Perhaps it is?

The Giants are a team with a storied history that notably includes three World Series titles since 2010 and, even more notably, doesn't include any big Japanese stars.

If Ohtani wants to win, he'd have to trust that the 98 losses the Giants endured in 2017 are an aberration. Even if that's a stretch, there are other things that could convince him to hop aboard anyway.

Per Sarris' data, the Giants are one of the best teams in MLB at protecting players from serious injuries. After hitting an MLB-low 128 home runs in 2017, they have the biggest need for Ohtani's power. And while AT&T Park doesn't cater to power, it's a beautiful stadium that caters to pitchers like no other.

Under manager Bruce Bochy, San Francisco's clubhouse is known for chemistry that's made it a welcome environment for young players. Bochy has also shown with Madison Bumgarner that he doesn't mind using pitchers who can rake. Helping Ohtani on his path would be bench coach Hensley Meulens, who once played in Japan and still speaks Japanese.

The downside of living in San Francisco would be the tremendous cost of living. But it's certainly a big enough market to attract endorsements to augment the $300,000 bonus the Giants can give him. It also might be the most low-key big market that MLB has to offer.

All told, what's not to like?

Stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.

