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Stroman says Ohtani is mythical unicorn: Give him 'a billion dollars'

Mary DeCicco / Major League Baseball / Getty

Chicago Cubs right-hander Marcus Stroman is in awe of Shohei Ohtani after the Japanese superstar led his country to a World Baseball Classic title.

"Give Ohtani a billion dollars. Mythical unicorn god on the baseball field," Stroman tweeted Tuesday after Ohtani struck out American superstar and Los Angeles Angels teammate Mike Trout to close out the WBC. The 28-year-old captured MVP honors for the tournament.

Ohtani slashed .435/.606/.739 with a homer, eight RBIs, 10 walks, four doubles, and nine runs scored across seven games. He also posted a 1.86 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, 11 strikeouts, and one save on the mound over three contests (two starts). The 2021 AL MVP and 2022 AL MVP runner-up is eligible to test free agency after the 2023 campaign and is expected to land the most lucrative contract in baseball history.

Stroman, who pitched for Puerto Rico, also wants the tournament to be held more often.

"Need the WBC yearly," the 31-year-old added.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed Tuesday the event will be returning in 2026.

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