There are talented players, there are outstanding players, and then there is the extraordinary Shohei Ohtani. The playing skills of the gifted Ohtani are near ‘Superhuman’ in the world of baseball. The prime reason is Ohtani’s unique ability to smash the ball with the equal perfection he pitches. So it’s obvious that the Los Angeles Angels don’t wish to trade him, at least not sooner.?
Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese born MLB megastar. Drafted into MLB by the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, Ohtani earlier played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball’s Pacific League. Ohtani is that rare composition of a designated hitter, starting pitcher, and outfielder for the Angels.?
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The Angels are a team with an array of match-winners like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Anthony Rendon, etc. in their arsenal. The Angels have again struggled to survive the challenges of this season, despite Ohtani’s champion performances. Therefore, the Angels have decided to persist with Ohtani a little longer, instead of trading him in the immediate future.?
Shohei Ohtani and LA Angels: Not parting ways any sooner?
Shohei Ohtani was a sensational figure in Nippon Pacific Baseball before entering the MLB frame. His list of achievements since those years is quite a long read. Ohtani was largely instrumental in the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters’ Japan Series Championship victory in 2016. A southpaw batter and right-arm pitcher Ohtani is also a five-time NPB All-Star.
Ohtani has slammed 22 home runs in the ongoing season. While as a starting pitcher, Ohtani has a 9-6 win-loss record and is searching for his 10th victory. But considering the Angels’ failure to win games from even commanding positions, Ohtani’s search might lengthen. With a horrific 43-59 win-loss record this season, the Angels are clearly out of title contention.
Given Ohtani’s versatile talent, he surely deserves to be a part of a stronger team. But as of now, the Angels and Ohtani wish to continue their alliance and extend the term contract. According to a?report, the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and San Diego Padres are the teams interested in buying the two-way phenomenon. But the Angels? owner, Arte Moreno, has turned down all offers and decided to keep Ohtani. Especially when other champion players like Trout and Rendon are dealing with injuries.?
Worth noting:
Angels owner Arte Moreno did not have a media availability this spring despite multiple requests.
I have only been on the beat 9 months, but it's my understanding that he hasn't done a press conference in 2 yrs. He did answer some questions during Perry's intro.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 7, 2022
Speaking to reporters a few days ago, Ohtani?said?through his interpreter,??Regardless of where I?m playing, I want to give it my all, try to win the ballgame that?s right in front of me. I?m with the Angels right now. And I?m very thankful for what they?ve done. I really love the team. I love my teammates. Right now I?m an Angel, and that?s all I can really focus on at this point.??
Shohei Ohtani’s future with the LA Angels?
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As the Washington Nationals await the best trade offer for Juan Soto, the Angels look to preserve Shohei Ohtani. Turning down probably lucrative trade offers from bidding franchises, owner Arte Moreno will pay an enormous amount to keep Ohtani. With the Angels out of title contention, Ohtani is now their prime prospect to salvage pride in the remaining games. This means Ohtani will continue playing as an Angel for a yet unknown period.
Shohei Ohtani spoke about his future in Anaheim before the MLB trade deadline on August 2.
He's set to become a free agent after the 2023 season. pic.twitter.com/imXbvBNTCM
— ESPN (@espn) July 29, 2022
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In case of a successful trade-off in the future, which team do you think Shohei Ohtani will play for next?
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