Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani is leading the AL MVP race heading into the summer with his team squarely in the MLB playoff picture. Despite the team’s success, MLB trade rumors are swirling regarding Ohtani’s future.
Ohtani is one of the best players in baseball this season, hitting some of the longest home runs in 2023 and is projected to start in the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. Even as Los Angeles ascends up the MLB standings, there is still rampant speculation regarding Ohtani’s future with the club.
- Shohei Ohtani stats (hitting): .295/.379/.623, 170 wRC+, 24 home runs, 58 RBI
Meeting with reporters on Tuesday, Angels’ general manager Perry Minasian made it clear the club has no interest in trading Ohtani and offered a simple explanation as to why.
“It’s pretty self-explanatory with where we’re at [in the standings].”
Los Angeles Angels GM Perry Minasian on why Shohei Ohtani won’t be traded )H?T ESPN)
Heading into the MLB games today, Los Angeles only trails the Texas Rangers by five games in the AL West and they currently hold the edge over the Houston Astros for the final wild-card spot in the American League.
The league-wide expectation is that Ohtani will test free agency this winter, becoming one of the most coveted MLB free agents in baseball history. However, he is not expected to re-sign with the Angels regardless of their offer.
- Shohei Ohtani stats (pitching): 3.29 ERA< 11.52 K/9, 6-2 record, 31.7% strikeout rate, 1.05 WHIP, .178 batting average allowed
While the Angels could net a significant return for Ohtani, one of the best MLB trade candidates, the organization’s desire is on competing this year. If the two-way player was traded, it would effectively wipe out the team’s playoff chances.
Furthermore, trading Ohtani would also have a negative influence on the team’s revenue and attendance. Ohtani is a massive draw and his international popularity provides a boost for ratings, merchandise sales and tickets sold. With all of that at risk, even facing the likelihood of losing him in free agency, the Angels aren’t willing to trade Ohtani.
