Los Angeles Angels, despite their underwhelming performance and persistent disappointment, boast two exceptional talents in the realm of baseball: Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Trout, in 2019, secured a 12-year deal worth $426 million, ranking as the second most lucrative contract in North American sports history. Ohtani, meanwhile, is a unique two-way player who recently signed a one-year contract for $30 million to avoid arbitration. The two Angels stars, who have developed a close friendship, are set to face off in a thrilling matchup at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The World Baseball Classic which commences on 8th March will potentially see a matchup between the United States of America and Japan. While Trout will be in the starting outfield for the USA, Ohtani is undoubtedly the face of the Japanese team. However, based on a recent interview, it seems like Trout is fearing Ohtani and the entire Japanese pitching bullpen.
Is Mike Trout scared of facing Ohtani?
In a video uploaded by the World Baseball Classic’s Twitter handle, Mike Trout is visibly expressing subtle apprehension about facing the “nasty” Ohtani and the strong Japanese bullpen. Moreover, Ohtani himself doesn’t believe that he’s the best in the Japanese team, which says something too.
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Trout vs. Ohtani in the World Baseball Classic would be must-see. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/45mzEVKFKn
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) January 20, 2023
Trout, in the video, says, “Every person I talk to says they don’t want to be in the box. I’m looking forward to it. He’s one of my good friends, so it’s going to be fun.”
Moreover, as reported by Angels reporter Taylor Blake Ward, Trout said, “The Japanese team is stacked. Talking to Shohei Ohtani about that team, he says he doesn’t believe he’s the best player on that team.”
How excited are fans to watch the ultimate WBC showdown?
If you love baseball, there is no possible way that you aren’t excited about this matchup. While everyone awaits the MLB, which is officially 69 days away, the World Baseball Classic will be a stunning start to an action-packed season.
This is how fans reacted to Mike Trout’s comments:
Shohei Ohtani will fascinate the whole world!!
— noah (@nyao_one0130) January 20, 2023
Worry about the Dominican Team!!!!
— Villanod (@villanod1) January 21, 2023
Wow! Would be cool!
It’s Korea vs Great Britain in the Final though!
— Matt (@MattMendoza1995) January 21, 2023
I always want to be in the Box but I’m just built different fr 😤
— Veni (@gnosklis) January 21, 2023
These two need to reach playoffs come on @Angels
— Rick F Allison (@rickfallison) January 21, 2023
👀🍿
— Thick Shared Wife (@ThickSharedWife) January 20, 2023
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Ready to watch Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in 2023 pic.twitter.com/Pk2S2pdmVf
— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) January 20, 2023
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What do you think about this matchup? Who will emerge victorious? Ohtani or Trout? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.
