Trade speculation surrounding Shohei Ohtani has run rampant in recent weeks. This comes as the Los Angeles Angels are slipping out of the postseason picture. With Mike Trout injured for the foreseeable future, the team’s playoff hopes seem bleak. This might mean the end of Ohtani’s time in Anaheim. Most recently, after a secret exchange with a World Baseball Classic teammate, he dropped a massive hint on his free agency future. 

Although there have been rumors and speculation surrounding Ohtani’s future, he has largely stayed quiet about the situation. The rumors even surrounded him re-signing with the Angels, but the latest hint may have shut that down. 

Shohei Ohtani wants to compete in the postseason

Shohei Ohtani has made it known that his primary objective is to compete in the playoffs. In recent years, he has been particularly adamant about it, with the Angels perpetually missing the postseason. Most recently, he reiterated that point while dropping a hint regarding his upcoming free agency. 

SNY shared a video of an interview, as the two-way phenom talks about his desire to win.  While translating for Ohtani, Ippei Mizuhara said, “Yeah, those feelings get stronger year by year. It sucks to lose. He wants to win, so it gets stronger every year.” 

This is an unsurprising yet significant statement from the two-way phenom. He has affirmed his desire to win, seemingly indicating that he will look to join a winning team in free agency. This comes shortly after he was seen interacting with his WBC teammate and New York Mets All-Star Kodai Senga.

Read More: Once Again, Japanese Wonder Shohei Ohtani Shines, but Teammates Fail to Support

Although this latest statement does not hint at a team in particular, it narrows down the candidates. Furthermore, with only some of the biggest teams in the race, it seems unlikely for a dark horse candidate to get his signature. But his latest statement does not bode well for the Angels. 

LA Angles postseason hopes seem to have taken a nosedive

Having lost nine of their last ten games, the Angels look set to miss the playoffs once again. Furthermore, the situation looks bleak with Mike Trout’s latest injury update signaling a 4-8 week recovery period. If the team cannot make the postseason and break the drought that started in 2014, Shohei Ohtani may most likely to leave. 

This latest hint from Shohei Ohtani reaffirms his desire to play winning baseball. Furthermore, it limits the teams he may sign with in free agency. What do you think about his growing desire to win? And, which team do you assume will most likely sign the two-way phenom?

Watch This Story: Monumental Moment: Mike Trout Bestows Crown On Shohei Ohtani, Sparks $500 Million Contract Talks!