With Shohei Ohtani performing at an MVP level again, you would think that the Los Angeles Angels aren’t even thinking about trading their two-way star player. And while that might have been the case in the past, it reportedly isn’t anymore.
According to multiple reports, the Angels are entertaining the idea of trading Ohtani for the first time since the Japanese phenom joined the franchise. This is mostly due to the fact that the 28-year-old player will be out of contract after the 2023 season and hasn’t shown urgency to agree to an extension so far.
The trade rumors have reached Ohtani as well, but the player is currently trying to play them down. When asked about his future and the possibility of being traded, Ohtani said that he is the Angels ‘player at the moment and that this is the only thing he’s focused on.
“Regardless of where I’m playing, I’m going to give it my all and try to win that ballgame in front of me,” Ohtani said via a translator. “I’m with the Angels right now, and I’m very thankful for what they’ve done. I love my team and my teammates. Right now, I’m an Angel, and that’s all I can focus on.”
The Angels have been less convinced about their chances of keeping Shohei Ohtani for the foreseeable future with each playoff they have missed during his stint with the franchise. Ohtani had made it clear that he wanted to win when he came to the U.S., and so far, he had completed his part of the bargain. The Angels, on the other hand, have not, and Ohtani still hasn’t experienced MLB postseason baseball in his career.
