The Los Angeles Angels have at least one more shot at making the postseason and a deep run with Shohei Ohtani.
After 2023, there are no guarantees, though; and there is still the chance he doesn’t finish the year with them.
As of April 20, we don’t know what the megastar will do.
It will all depend on the Angels and their ability to contend.
If they are in contention come the trade deadline, they will keep him and make a run at the postseason.
In theory, they have the pieces, and they could always become buyers should they need any specific positions.
However, if they are out of the race, they will most likely trade Ohtani to a contender for prospects.
It’s the nature of the game: Los Angeles only has him under contract for the 2023 campaign, and if they are not going to qualify, they have to turn him into quality assets.
If they are still in the race, keeping him is a no-brainer.
Whether Ohtani re-signs in LA or not will almost exclusively depend on how good they are and how competitive they can be in 2023.
“If the Angels fall out of contention… [Shohei Ohtani] could be traded and he will definitely leave.”
—@JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/evk3nuye1o
—Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 20, 2023
That’s the analysis MLB insider Jeff Passan offered on Thursday.
At the moment, the Angels are 9-9, in second place in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers.
Four of the three teams in the division are expected to be highly competitive: the Rangers, the Angels, the Houston Astros, and the Seattle Mariners.
The season is just starting, and anything can happen.
Ohtani will sign the largest contract ever for an MLB player at some point during the offseason, probably surpassing $500 million.
Half the league will be after his services.
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Angels Manager Comments On Plan For Shohei Ohtani