Rumors surrounded the Los Angeles Angels organization around the MLB trade deadline about multi-talented star Shohei Ohtani, but the team ultimately decided to hold onto their star despite reportedly listening to offers for him.
The team is currently outside of the playoff picture in the American League despite having two stars on their roster in Ohtani and Mike Trout, and one MLB insider believes that Ohtani’s time with the Angels may be shortly coming to an end.
MLB insider Buster Olney revealed on ESPN Get Up this morning where he revealed that he believes Ohtani will not remain with the Angels past this season.
“After this season, the Angels are going to approach him with a contract extension that will probably start with an annual salary of $50 million. Speaking with executives from other teams, they believe that Ohtani will not sign with the Angels. They believe that he is going to get to free agency. This winter will be the first time that the Angels will need to seriously consider trading Ohtani if they struggle next year. One way or the other, I don’t think that Ohtani is going to get through 2023 with the Angels.”
"I don't think Ohtani is going to get through 2023 with the Angels."
—@Buster_ESPN doesn't see Shohei Ohtani staying with the Angels past this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/n8VFkmowsa
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) August 5, 2022
It will ultimately depend on how the Angels perform for the rest of this season and next season, but the team should seemingly consider trading the star player so they at least get something in return for him.
The Angels have been known to be willing to spend big money on players in the past, and they will likely offer Ohtani a potentially record-breaking contract for him to stay with the organization.
If Ohtani wants the money staying with the Angels seems like a good choice for him, but if winning is the goal for Ohtani, the Angels have not shown to be capable of sustained success as of late.
