A significant number of MLB teams are preparing for the moment when the Los Angeles Angels start taking trade calls for their two-way star Shohei Ohtani. But if we are to judge by comments recently made by Angels’ general manager Perry Minasian, that moment is not coming.
Ohtani, one of the best players in baseball in recent years, is currently in the final year of his contract. He refused extension offers from the Angels in the past and wants to see what the free agency will look like. This means that LA will face tough competition to re-sign Ohtani and might lose him for just a compensatory pick.
This situation made most of MLB think that the Angels would move Ohtani before the trade deadline in order to get at least something for their star player. However, when asked about it earlier this week, Minasian strongly implied this isn’t an option, especially with the team playing well this season.
“I think anybody that’s watched us play and where we’re at in the standings … I think it’s pretty self-explanatory with where we’re at,” Minasian told the reporters.
The Angels find themselves in an unfamiliar place, having a winning record (41-35) with almost half a season gone and sitting in second place in AL West. The team hasn’t made the playoffs in the past eight-year.
Ohtani’s made a big contribution to the Angels’ good start of the season, batting .295 with 24 home runs and 58 RBIs. He is also doing great on the mound, having a 6-2 record as a starter with a 3.29 ERA and 105 strikeouts in 14 games.
