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Perhaps for the first time ever, the Angels are considering Shohei Ohtani trade offers.
While a trade involving the exceptional superstar is thought to be extremely doubtful, teams have been calling about potential moves for the two-way marvel, and the Angels aren't hanging up the phone just yet.
Following the unexpected collapse of their team after a very great start that had them in first place in May, the Angels are informing clubs they need to listen to proposals from everyone. This does not imply that the legendary Mike Trout has a chance to be traded: He is playing under a long-term contract, has a no-trade clause, and is now dealing with a back problem.
Given that veteran Angels owner Arte Moreno adores his top talents and appears to be more active than other owners, a deal involving Ohtani might be only marginally more likely. Given the history of the franchise and the owner, two executives who called about Ohtani expressed skepticism that the Angels would go through with such a large-scale transaction.
Two executives with interest rated it this way: “Very slim,” and “almost zero.”
A third said: “They want something like your top four prospects.”
While relievers Ryan Tepera and Aaron Loup, starter Noah Syndergaard, and closer Raisel Iglesias are the Angels players most likely to be traded, they have been cooperative when Ohtani has been brought up by opposing officials. The five days until the trade deadline on August 2 would need assembling a sizable haul and obtaining ownership consent, so a deal for the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year won't be simple.
It comes as no surprise that rumors claim it would take a truly staggering offer for the Angels to even consider trading Ohtani. The 2021 MVP is once again a contender in that race thanks to his amazing pitching and hitting prowess.
The natural teams to contact about Ohtani are the ones that are currently vying for Nationals superstar outfielder Juan Soto because they are the aggressive teams with enough prospects to give themselves a chance. Teams vying for Soto include the Padres, Rangers, Dodgers, Cardinals, and Mariners; however, it is unknown which teams have contacted about Ohtani, who would offer the added benefit of being a fantastic attraction and marketing tool.
The fact that he is only making $5 million in the second year of a two-year contract is also a bonus, as he would more than make up for it in marketing chances. After 2023, he won't be a free agent (Soto will be free after 2024).
Ohtani’s pitching has actually improved this year. He is 9-5 with a 2.80 ERA and 134 strikeouts in 93 ¹/₃ innings. He has 21 home runs this year after hitting 46 last year in winning the MVP award unanimously.
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