How Could Mike Trout’s Free Agency Announcement Affect Shohei Ohtani’s $500 Million Free Agent Signing Amid Pitching Concerns?

The off-season hasn’t even started but the MLB rumor mill has already started churning. However, as most teams begin their preparation for the coming season, the LA Angels will not be particularly enthused. The team with seemingly the most vaunted 1-2 punch in all MLB, which sent the opposition bullpen into a frenzy before they even walked out is now on the brink of losing their two biggest stars.

Amis injury concerns around superstar Shohei Ohtani, and his upcoming free agency, the Angels may be at fear of also losing another star. Even though the franchise has been out of contention for the playoffs for 8 years running, the Halos fanbase is itching for a pennant. The 2023 season too looks to be ending on a downer as the Angels wrap up their season with only 66 wins and little chance of featuring in the postseason. And many fear, the off-season will be no different.

Could the Angels be losing their stars?

According to recent reports, the Angels could be on the verge of losing 11x All-Star Mike Trout before 2024. Reportedly, the Angels are open to discussing trades for the 2019 AL MVP for the first time, if he wants a change in scenery.

The situation however is not all that simple. Trout, as a function of his contract, retains exclusive no-trade rights and has reportedly recently indicated that he would want to have a private conversation with the front office and the ownership before taking a call on his future.

Now into his mid-thirties, the star’s trade potential is undoubtedly not what it used to be. But it would stand to reason that it will hold up significantly considering that the star is still sending pitches past the boundary wall for fun.

Will Ohtani’s exit affect the Trout trade?

While Angels fans will want to believe otherwise, the two-way phenom who arrived in Los Angeles in 2018 is no longer the same star. He would want to add to his trophy cabinet soon. With Ohtani rapidly approaching the peak of his career, he would want to feature on a contending team as soon as possible. So all potential factors are pointing to an exit.

Read More: After Shohei Ohtani’s Unexpected Alleged Farewell, Will Mike Trout Sacrifice $250M to Escape LA Angels?

However, this would also mean that the Angels’ batting lineup as well as their pitching rotation would undergo some churn. A situation the Angels’ Trout would likely want to avoid at a time where he is already prone to injury having missed a significant portion of games in seasons past.

With the ‘Sho’ heading home to Japan after being placed on the IL amid pitching injury concerns, the writing seems to be on the wall for the star. But with the 2024 season rapidly approaching could a once stellar team sporting both Ohtani and Trout as a part of their lineup soon be without it’s stars?

Only time will tell, but right now, we can rest assured that the LA Angels fans are crossing their fingers hoping these trade rumors don’t materialize.

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