Jul 28, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting a three run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
MLBBy Matt Clapp on

Well, this is an eye-opener.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Los Angeles Angels are now listening to offers for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.

According to Heyman, one rival executive says that the Angels “want something like your top four prospects.”

Two other rival executives told Heyman said the chances of an Ohtani trade are “very slim” and “almost zero.”

The Angels, perhaps for the first time, are listening to trade offers for Shohei Ohtani.

Teams have been calling regarding potential deals for the two-way phenom, and while a trade involving the unique superstar is seen as very unlikely, the Angels are not hanging up the phone.

Even though Ohtani is a free agent after the 2023 season, “your top four prospects” seems like a low return.

Ohtani is essentially two superstars taking up one roster spot, which is an extremely valuable thing. Additionally, there’s the business side of this for organizations to consider: Ohtani grows the team brand worldwide, he boosts attendance, he boosts television ratings, etc.

Any team that’s lucky enough to acquire him is surely prepared to also meet his contract demands, which will be massive and likely unprecedented- but quite likely worth it.

Ohtani has a chance to win his second consecutive AL MVP award (but will have strong competition from Aaron Judge). He has a .256/.350/.489 slash line with 21 home runs as a hitter, and a 2.81 ERA in 99 1/3 innings as a pitcher. He’s been putting his pitching skills on display on Thursday night, with 11 strikeouts over six innings (including three consecutive strikeouts to escape a first-inning, bases-loaded jam):

Here’s a peek at how the baseball world is reacting to Heyman’s report that the Angels are listening on Ohtani offers:

About Matt Clapp

Matt is an editor at The Comeback. He attended Colorado State University, wishes he was Saved by the Bell's Zack Morris, and idolizes Larry David. And loves pizza and dogs because obviously.

He can be followed on Twitter at @Matt2Clapp (also @TheBlogfines for Cubs/MLB tweets and @DaBearNecess for Bears/NFL tweets), and can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.

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