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.”
Angels listening on everybody, and for the first time that includes Ohtani. One rival says they want “your 4 top prospects.” Rivals all believe it is s major long shot that Angels ownership ultimately OKs a Shohei dealhttps://t.co/w1jajqf9sM
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2022
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.
There's also the business side of what adding him does. It's huge for worldwide branding, butts in the seats, and getting people to tune in.
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) July 29, 2022
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):
Bases loaded, no one out? Shotime. 😤 pic.twitter.com/r4tgVkz3Um
— MLB (@MLB) July 29, 2022
Batters vs. Shohei Ohtani's splitter in his MLB career:
.092 batting average, .145 slugging percentage 🥹 https://t.co/rkKhBq5psI— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 29, 2022
Shohei Ohtani has 9 games this season with 10+ strikeouts
That's the most such games in MLB this season
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 29, 2022
Here’s a peek at how the baseball world is reacting to Heyman’s report that the Angels are listening on Ohtani offers:
Should the Angels trade Ohtani?@The_ChrisMyers | @DTrainMLB | @TheBigHurt_35 pic.twitter.com/LkVvcxYlZT
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 29, 2022
Thoughts on this hypothetical trade, Mariners fans? #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/Ke5mFt1gJH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 29, 2022
I would trade the Giants’ top seven prospects just to get exclusive negotiating rights for the next 18 months, even if it meant Ohtani stayed with the Angels for 2023. https://t.co/Mvk9bVZHDR
— Grant Brisbee (@GrantBrisbee) July 29, 2022
Man, White Sox and Braves can get Ohtani cheaply! https://t.co/nYMx3Eqb2R
— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) July 29, 2022
Easily. Wouldn't think twice. https://t.co/LMEgBTvd5d
— Andrew Stoeten (@AndrewStoeten) July 29, 2022
You can have ALL the prospects for Shohei Ohtani. The entire farm system. Every level. Have some picks, too. #RedSox https://t.co/ISzac0k9n8
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) July 29, 2022
For Babe Ruth? Deal https://t.co/dsDAU3h5o4
— Nick Carboni (@NickCarboniWCNC) July 29, 2022
Why would any team not give up their top four prospects for Ohtani? https://t.co/iItWZQiibC
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) July 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/PCreighton1/status/1552853806647545856
The Rockies should trade every asset they have including their ballpark and the color purple https://t.co/1PxuYt98k1
— Jake Shapiro (@Shapalicious) July 29, 2022
