It’s usually hard to find players in baseball that are extremely talented on both sides of the ball. But Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani has made a name for himself in recent years. Not only is the 28-year-old the designated hitter for the team, but also excels at pitching. 2023 will be the last season before Ohtani hits free agency, and there are already wild speculations about who he will choose next.
The Angels owner, Arte Moreno, said in August 2022 that he would be looking into selling the team ownership but then dispelled his claims in January 2023. Now that it’s confirmed that he will remain in charge, he has expressed his desire to keep Ohtani on the team. Because as a double threat, most MLB teams want Ohtani on their roster. And apparently, one major team has already been identified as a threat.
San Diego Padres may prove dangerous for the LA Angels where Shohei Ohtani is concerned
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The podcast Talking Friars on Twitter posted a journalistic opinion on Ohtani recently. Reportedly, Jon Heyman of the New York Post said in an article, “The Padres, who seem to be collecting superstars, are said by one Angels person to be viewed as a major threat.”
While Ohtani may remain with the Angels for only the 2023 season as of now, his expected payroll may mean the LA team is out for the count. The Padres, on the other hand, have baseball’s third-highest payroll after the New York Yankees and New York Mets. The Angels may certainly want Shotime, but does Shotime want the Angels?
What do the fans have to say?
As if this wasn’t enough, it’s expected that the Mets might battle the Padres over Ohtani. After all, Steve Cohen’s pockets run deep. Even though Ohtani has never made it about the money and his sole focus has been the game, he is an international superstar. The pitcher will need an upgrade to go with his reputation at some time in time.
And while some Angels fans seem to think Ohtani can be traded for other players, others want the San Diego team to extend Manny Machado’s stay in Petco Park.
stop spending so much money
— bellinger enthusiast (@wedickdown) February 9, 2023
Before those two, gotta lock up Manny for the rest of his career.
— FDS (@fredSAMSON) February 9, 2023
Damn straight! Lock up your Super Stars!
— socal padre (@SocalPadre) February 8, 2023
Nah, impossible, we are not even sure if we can keep Soto.
— Sergio Lopez (@Sergio_Gtz16) February 9, 2023
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Inshallah lmao. Hope we resign Manny soon too
— Jason (@jasonhcsgo) February 8, 2023
While the Angels have racked up a strong lineup for the upcoming season, only time will tell what 2023 will bring.
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What do you think? Should Ohtani stay with the Angels or move up in the MLB world?