Will Shohei Ohtani Finish the Season With the Los Angeles Angels?
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Shohei Ohtani is a big discussion point around the league about whether the Los Angeles Angels will trade him ahead of the MLB’s trade deadline. This much we know for sure, Ohtani is unlikely to finish the season with the Angels. As for where he’ll go? That’s the multi-million-dollar question.
The New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and maybe even the Cincinnati Reds have all been discussed with their odds of trading for the two-way phenom. Each of these potential trade partners comes with its own set of hurdles. The Braves, for instance, could potentially trade AJ Smith-Shawver and a few other young roster players. Yet, this seems against how they’ve operated in the past, but this is a unique scenario, and it’s not often a player of this caliber is available.
The same goes for the Reds. Christian Encarnacion-Strand could at least get talks starter for a trade, but can they afford him in the long run? As much as they’d love to have Ohtani, offering a $500 million contract isn’t feasible for the Cincinnati Reds.
The Angels, though, are in the most interesting predicament. The injury of Mike Trout, one of their few consistent bright spots, has thrown a wrench in their plans. At one point, their success had many believing they could keep Ohtani, but that optimism was short-lived and appears unlikely now.
Even if they want to re-sign him, letting Ohtani go for a mere draft pick is unwise if they’re ultimately not able to come to an agreement. The Angels have long struggled to manufacture talent; their vast spending on players like Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Vernon Wells shows the team hasn’t been afraid to spend.
While showing potential in AAA, Jo Adell hasn’t quite lived up to expectations either. They’ve yet to successfully build a strong, young squad of pitchers and position players.
Shohei Ohtani’s future remains uncertain, but it’s clear that staying with the Angels is improbable. As for his destination, it’s anyone’s guess. The question isn’t just about where he’ll end up but which team has the will and the way to accommodate a player of his stature. Acquiring him as a rental feels unlikely, meaning the team who trades for him will have to pay up the big bucks to sign him to an extension, one that MLB has likely never seen before.
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