Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani is having a whole lot of fun at the World Baseball Classic.
He has four hits in two games so far, and is hitting .572 in the early going with extra-bases, runs batted in, and a lot of flair.
On the mound, he tossed four scoreless innings in Japan’s debut against China on Thursday, striking out five hitters.
Before games, he entertains the crowd with his impressive raw power in batting practice, and seems to enjoy it when he hits one far and deep.
He smiles, he high-fives teammates, and you can tell he likes the spotlight.
An MLB insider noticed this, and wonders just how much of a good time he could spend in the playoffs if his team was truly competitive.
“Ohtani looks like he’s having the time of his life right now. Imagine how much he would enjoy October,” Chelsea Janes tweeted.
Ohtani looks like he’s having the time of his life right now. Imagine how much he would enjoy October.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) March 10, 2023
Unfortunately, his Angels haven’t made the postseason since 2014.
Ohtani’s first season in LA came in 2018, but they have all resulted in failure.
Year after year, there is always the feeling that Los Angeles wasted Mike Trout and Ohtani’s best years.
They may have one last shot, though: the Angels have a more competitive team this upcoming season, and it’s not unreasonable to see them making the postseason as a Wild Card.
The team’s overall level this year will also go a long way determining Ohtani’s destination after 2023.
If the Angels are competitive, he could consider returning, but if they are not, he is most likely gone after the season.
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Shohei Ohtani Put On Another BP Spectacle