As Shohei Ohtani Seemingly Nears Anaheim Exit, an Angels Teammate Receives a Special Gift From the Two-Way Phenom

There is no guarantee what the 2023 offseason will bring for Shohei Ohtani. Will he stay in Anaheim with the team that has failed to make it to October in the six years he has spent with them? Or will he finally look for a new team worthy of his talents? The Los Angeles Angels were supposed to make it in 2023, with Ohtani giving yet another masterclass in hitting and pitching. But just like the previous half-decade, this season has ended with no playoffs.

Whatever path the two-way sensation chooses, his time with the Los Angeles Angels will likely be precious to him. Shotime has a famous friendship with Mike Trout, another star the Halos have failed. But the 11x All-Star is not the only one who shares a special brotherhood with the Japanese sensation.

Shohei Ohtani Leaves Griffin Canning With Heartwarming Parting Gift

It’s almost certain that the two-way sensation will not return to Angel Stadium of Anaheim in 2024. Analysts have spent the better part of the last two seasons trying to predict his next destination. But Shohei Ohtani holds his cards close to his chest. He has given no indication of his next landing spot, rather leaving it up to the flow of time. In the meantime, he is apparently making sure to bid his teammates goodbye in style.

Like the rest of the league, Griffin Canning is a Shohei Ohtani fan. A strong starter for the Angels this year, the pitcher spoke to Yahoo Japan a few days ago, discussing a precious gift from Shotime. As the reporter talked to Canning, he noticed a ’17’ jersey behind him, which is incidentally Ohtani’s number.

“I bought a uniform and had it autographed. I think most of my colleagues got it,” Canning told Yahoo. But he also had a question for the reporter. When the pitcher pointed to something written in Japanese, the reporter clarified, “That’s your name (nickname).” It said ‘Griff’ in the katakana script, which put a smile on the Angels player’s face. Even with his talent, it seems like Ohtani never fails to impress his teammates off the field either.

For Canning, What Makes His Extraordinary Teammate Special?

Having spent the last five years in the majors together, Griff has many Shohei Ohtani memories. But his favorite part of playing baseball with a generational talent is getting to see him in action. “I’m grateful for being able to see such a special player every day, for being able to maintain a balance between pitching and hitting by preparing every day, for showing a smile on the field every day, and for being a good teammate,” Canning told Yahoo Japan. “I think we were able to become good friends.”

READ MORE – Who Can Land $500M Approaching Shohei Ohtani in the Trade Deadline? A Complete Overview

The Halos will be sad to see Ohtani go but at least they’ve been prepared for it. Everyone knows the Japanese sensation’s time in Los Angeles, or at least Anaheim, is up.

WATCH THIS STORY – Shohei Ohtani: The Dual Threat Phenomenon – Unveiling the Secrets of His Supreme Hitting and Pitching Prowess!