“I love you..but”: Months After Seattle’s Japanese Demand, Julio Rodriguez Shoots Down Shohei Ohtani Pursuit Revealing Awkward Encounter

For youngsters nationwide and even in MLB, Shohei Ohtani is one of their idols. With the star putting up stat lines that shock the world both from the plate and the mound, LA Angles star’s skillset remains one that few across the game can recreate. But there was one time that even the best player in the league had to give up his practice for a player that hadn’t even spent two years in the league yet.

Podcasts with baseball players always throw up some interesting nuggets for the fans to dig into, and this was another one that would catch some eyeballs. While not too deep into his MLB career, Julio Rodriguez is undoubtedly making waves with the Mariners. In another statement about his staggering work ethic and respect for the game, the center fielder recounted when he asked Ohtani to walk away.

Why Would You Ask Shohei Ohtani to Step Away from the Plate?

Speaking on the podcast with Mookie Betts, Julio Rodriguez recounted a story from All-Star weekend when he had asked the 2021 AL MVP to take a break. Rodriguez recounts that Shohei was spending a really long time at the batting cage right when it was time for J-Rod to start his routine. Said Rodriguez, “I needed to warm up at this time to be ready for my round.”

However, asking the leagues’ top players to step away for you is no easy task. J-Rod remembers the hesitance saying, “And when I saw him in the cage I was like, ‘Oh Man, This is Ohtani’, right? So I can’t say anything. At the the same time I got in my head that oh I gotta practice.”

Caught in two minds, J-Rod decided to let his professional baseball player loose. “So when I walked in I was like, you know, gotta respect the guy and I said, ‘Shohei I love you to death but I gotta practice. I gotta do my thing’, ” said Rodriguez.

Ever the professional, Ohtani too stepped away from the plate and let Rodriguez have his time. “So he understood. He was a nice guy so he was cool about it,” said J-Rod.

Will Shohei Stay with the Angels Next Season?

The off-season prior to the 2024 MLB season beginning will be an interesting watch. While the free agency of the two-way phenom is expected to take over discussions for a large part, the Angels will also look to be rebuilding their roster after the loss of a star not just in their offensive capabilities but also as a part of their bullpen.

While teams across the league will be vying for Ohtani’s signature, he has already indicated a strong desire to stay on the West Coast before. Could a team still prize him away from his initial ask through a sheer $500 million contract? Or do you think Ohtani will need more?

Read More: Aaron Judge Shares Spotlight With Controversial Barry Bonds and Another Hated Yankees Star on Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez’s Fancied List

The questions are certainly flying fast and thick, but what remains to be seen is what comes of it.

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