‘Wasn’t Market Size, Time Zone…’- What Made ‘Japanese Babe Ruth’ Shohei Ohtani Pick LA Angels Over Other Teams?

Shohei Ohtani has been an angel for the LA Angels over the years. Whether from the mound or the plate, the Japanese two-way phenom has been the best performer for the American League franchise.

Back in the 2018 free agency, when Ohtani signed for the LA Angels, many MLB franchises, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants, were on the hunt to sign the Japanese wonder. But Ohtani — often referred to as the Japanese Bae Ruth — signed his first MLB contract for the LA Angels.

But what made Ohtani say no to the offers from the heavyweights like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Giants and sign for a mid-table team? Because had he said yes to any of the big MLB franchises, Ohtani would have probably been a World Series winner.

Shohei Ohtani felt a special bond with the Angels

Even though Shohei Ohtani is a two-way player, he is more of a pitcher. And when he signed for the Angels, the AL side did not have a regular starter by their side. That is what clicked to Ohtani. Because Ohtani knew if he had signed for the Angels, he would be their go-to man for the pitching, something that other MLB teams could not have offered.

Ohtani saw an opportunity with the Angels and grabbed it with both hands. And four years later, one can see that he is their best pitcher and probably the best hitter too.

Read more: ‘Punching Out Everybody in Every Single Game’- MLB Analyst Believes Shohei Ohtani Is Still the AL MVP After His ‘Night in and Night Out’ Pitching Masterclass

Per Yahoo Sports, Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo, had also shared why Ohtani chose the Angels. He clarified it was nothing to do with the market size or Anaheim’s time zone.

“While there has been much speculation about what would drive Shohei’s decision, what mattered to him most wasn’t market size, time zone, or league, but that he felt a true bond with the Angels.”

“He sees this as the best environment to develop and reach the next level and attain his career goals,” Balelo said in Dec 2017.

What’s next for Ohtani?

Once his current contract gets over after the 2023 season, Shohei Ohtani might not play again for the LA Angels. During the last four years, the reigning MVP has given his everything to the team. But the Angels are the same as they were five years ago.

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And this could be the reason, Ohtani might want to switch the team after the 2023 season, as he is yet to win any title with the Angels. Given his two-way playing style, where do you see Ohtani playing in the 2024 season?