Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani is leading the AL MVP race and being floated heavily in MLB trade rumors. While several factors will determine whether or not he’s traded, Angels’ owner Arte Moreno could ultimately decide everything.
Moreno s more involved than some of his peers, receiving input in baseball decisions and having a final say on the biggest moves. As Los Angeles considers trading Ohtani this summer, dealing one of the top MLB free agents in 2024 for prospects, Ohtani’s marketability and the Angels’ attendance the rest of the season could ultimately help decide his fate in Los Angeles.
- Shohei Ohtani stats (hitting): .302/.397/.668, 1.065 OPS, 35 home runs, 76 RBI
Related: Best Shohei Ohtani trade landing spots, return for Los Angeles Angels
Not only is Ohtani the face of baseball, but he’s also the primary source of interest in the Angels. Los Angeles averages the 10th-highest average attendance (33,740) in MLB and Ohtani’s presence makes them one of the most popular road teams around the league. The two-way star’s rare marketability makes him even more valuable in Moreno’s eyes.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, there’s tension in the Angels’ front office over the possibility of trading Ohtani. It all traces back to owner Arte Moreno, who reportedly “reacted angrily” in 2022 when the front office suggested the idea of trading Ohtani.
“He had no interest in dealing his team’s best hitter and best pitcher—not to mention the most marketable player in baseball—and scoffed at the suggestion.”
Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno’s reaction to the idea of trading Shohei Ohtani in July 2022, per ESPN’s Buster Olney
Typically, a team in the Angels’ position would trade Ohtani. He’s widely expected to leave the team in free agency, which means Los Angeles would only receive compensation in the 2024 MLB Draft if he departs.
In most cases, teams on the fringe of playoff contention would trade the star player for whatever they could get before he walks.
Related: MLB trade tracker
- Shohei Ohtani pitching stats: 3.71 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 148 strikeouts in 111.2 innings pitched
Moreno could prevent that, even if a trade is in the Angels’ best interest long-term. While the Angels’ position in the playoff picture might ultimately determine whether or not they listen to offers for Ohtani, Moreno will be the one who decides if a trade is made. Based on his history, a blockbuster deal might not happen.
