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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers Jul 8, 2023 Los Angeles, California, USA Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani 17 and center fielder Mike Trout 27 look on from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles Dodger Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJaynexKamin-Onceax 20230708_tbs_aj4_503
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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers Jul 8, 2023 Los Angeles, California, USA Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani 17 and center fielder Mike Trout 27 look on from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles Dodger Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJaynexKamin-Onceax 20230708_tbs_aj4_503
The League is preparing for perhaps the most sought-after free agency it has seen recently. With two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani running to the end of his contract in 2024, the MLB world is preparing for a whirlwind off-season that could see the star swap his Angels colors for a selection between 29 other teams that will all be vying for him to sign on the dotted line. But now, it seems clear there will be a move away involved.
Despite debuting in MLB with the Halos in 2018, Ohtani has not seen the post-season with the franchise yet, let alone a post-season series win stopping him from joining the conversation of the greats. While easily regarded as one of the top players in baseball, the star has also recently had some injuries and will end the season on the IL after a pitching injury that could see him dropped from the bullpen altogether. Hence, the dip in interest from his fans is noticeable.
Are People Watching the Angels only for Shohei Ohtani?
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The LA Angels are a star studded side. Boasting a lineup with both 2019 AL MVP Mike Trout and 2021 AL MVP Shohei Ohtani, they have no lack of star power. Being the local star, Ohtani is obvious crown puller in the Japanese market. As a result, Angels games found their way to being broadcast in Japan through NHK, a local channel. However, that now stands in jeopardy.
NHK is stopping it’s daily broadcasts of Angels games in Japan, since he’s out for the season.
NHK typically had a camera on Ohtani at all times during games. They broadcast many games with Japanese players, but had been airing every Angels game because of Ohtani’s popularity.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) September 17, 2023
The interest was more player-centric than for the franchise. After Ohtani was shifted onto the 10-day IL amid pitching injury concerns to end the season, NHK has stopped broadcasting Angels games as Ohtani is no longer sporting Angels colors.
Will Ohtani Ever Play for the Angels Again?
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With a prospectively $500 million free agency just around the corner for the star, it looks unlikely that the lack of post-season success will keep him motivated to stay in Anaheim. However, as with every free agency, no one can say where the player will head until the dotted line is signed.
Ohtani’s injury concerns also put into doubt his pitching future. They could be a significant chip in his value in free agency if he cannot pitch going forward. One thing that seems inevitable, though, is that the LA Angels are no longer a part of his considerations anymore. After clearing out his locker room before returning home, Ohtani knows his future is no longer with the Anaheim franchise.
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Ohtani’s future may be uncertain, but no matter where he lands, he will surely turn in some game-winning performances every step of the way. With franchises virtually lining up to land his signature, Ohtani’s future is in his hands now.
Watch This Story: Monumental Moment – Mike Trout Bestows Crown on Shohei Ohtani, Sparks 500 Million Contract Talks
