Eight Years Now, Still No Miracle: Why It’s Time for Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani to Abandon the LA Angels

Baseball in Anaheim is a painful affair. For the longest time, the Los Angeles Angels have boasted the tremendous star power of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. While the 11x All-Star has stayed stubbornly loyal to LA, the Japanese wonder’s season has come to an end with injuries. He can’t pitch or hit, and despite his two-way prowess, Sho-time still represents an army of one. When will it finally be enough?

The Angels refused to trade Ohtani by August 1 in hopes of re-signing him. They have kept their hold on Trout with a massive contract, although the front office is changing its tune now. Neither of the AL MVPs has given a conclusive answer as to where they’re headed next season. But perhaps this latest stat will help their decision-making process.

Los Angeles Angels End the Season With a Losing Record for 8th Time

Everyone knew 2023 would be the year that could make it or break it for the Halos’ chances of keeping Shohei Ohtani in their reds. But was anyone surprised when the team failed to reach the expectations it set for itself? A few glimpses of winning performances were all fans got before they realized things would end the same way they always have. No October appearance and not even a winning record to boast about.

Sam Blum of The Athletic posted some dismal numbers to X, formerly Twitter. “The Angels have clinched an 8th straight year without a winning record.” And for six of those, they have had Shohei Ohtani on their roster, even if he wasn’t performing at full power each year.

“They were also officially eliminated from postseason contention. They are 68-81.” Essentially, the Halos have been mathematically eliminated.

The updated numbers are 68-82 because the Detroit Tigers just completed a sweep. Given, the team is playing without its superstars, but Trout and Ohtani cannot make up for the other seven players’ lack of performance.

Fans believe it’s high time the duo found a new team’s colors to wear. While individual success is important, baseball is a team game after all.

Yankees as a Possible Landing Spot for Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout?

Both players have a history with New York. Ohtani rejected the Bronx when he was first agreed to come to the majors in 2017, not wanting to play for such a huge market. But given that he has basically taken over the league, things could have changed. Even if some rumors say that the Japanese sensation would prefer the West Coast over the East.

READ MORE – LA Angels Officially Ruined All-Time Greats Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout

As for Trout, originally a New Jersey native, New York would make sense. Although he grew up a diehard Philadelphia Phillies fan, the slugger’s favorite player was Derek Jeter. Incidentally, the New York Yankees tried to recruit the now-3x-AL-MVP in 2009 but failed.

While both players’ injuries and the massive contracts attached to them are some cause for concern, the Yankees could benefit if they return to their true baseball forms. Who wouldn’t want to see Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani in Pinstripes?

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