Amidst Widespread Shohei Ohtani Interest, Japanese Baseball Personality Signals Angels’ Advantage in $500M Race

Shohei Ohtani has sent the world into a frenzy over his free agency. Even psychics are asking the universe for hints regarding his decision. Surprisingly, the Los Angeles Angels have emerged as favorites for the two-way phenom yet again. While fans were writing them off, they might be returning to the race due to one big reason.

It’s not just the States, even his home country of Japan is interested to know where the two-way phenomenon will land. Fans are waiting for Shotime to make a choice but a major Japanese journalist has a surprising opinion on the AL MVP’s future.

The Angels have a big chance to re-sign Shohei Ohtani, says journalist

When Shara Ogin stated that she felt Shohei Ohtani could go back to the Halos, her main reason was the homely and comfortable space that Shotime craves. The Japanese superstar is certainly attached to California but will it it be a big factor in his choosing a new team? Or will he stay with the old one? Tomoya Satozaki, a broadcaster and former player, is crushing fan hopes with a new prediction.

The veteran recently opined on Shohei Ohtani’s free agency and told a Japanese network that the Angels might get him. The reason was simple, “Even though I interviewed quite a few people, I was told that there was still a high possibility that he would stay.”

Many believe that Ohtani will stay in Anaheim because it’s comfortable, and the Angels are less strict than most on dictating his two-way skills. But can comfort be the reason enough for him to stay on a team that has failed to provide him with a single postseason?

Read more: Shohei Ohtani’s High-Stakes Free Agency Fuels DH Swap Debate Between Dodgers and Angels

If the Angels do somehow manage to keep holding on to Ohtani, 2024 will likely not be the year they suddenly catapult into the postseason. Is there any other team that can give Ohtani the same vibe as them?

Different teams and how they suit Ohtani

Ohtani respects the Texas Rangers a lot. Not just because they’re World Champions but also because of how whole-heartedly they pursued him when he first stepped foot in the US. They can provide him with the winning and homely environment that he craves.

Another possibility is that he goes to LA Dodgers and remains close enough to his life in Anaheim. It could be an interesting prospect, though the Dodgers might not give him a long-term winning potential due to their rapidly aging roster.

With insiders firmly divided about whether he’d return to the Angels or not, the clock is ticking. The answer may be out any day now.

Watch This Story: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dream: Before Injury, He Always Wanted Both!