Is Ohtani Leaving The Angels? Why is Ohtani Leaving The Angels?
by Harini
Updated Jul 17, 2023
Is Ohtani Leaving The Angels?
There is no official statement revealing that Ohtani is leaving The Angels. Shohei Ohtani, currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels, is approaching the final year of his contract. Speculation suggests that he is likely to sign the most lucrative contract in the history of American professional sports during the upcoming winter.
Several MLB teams known for their big spending are reportedly preparing offers for him. However, according to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, if the Angels find themselves out of contention for the playoffs, there is a possibility that Ohtani could be traded midseason. Furthermore, Passan stated that if the Angels fail to make the playoffs once again, Ohtani will definitely leave the team in the offseason.
During his appearance on "Get Up" on Thursday morning, Passan explained that as long as the Angels have a realistic chance of securing a playoff spot, Ohtani is unlikely to be traded before the deadline this year.
However, if the team falls out of contention, it becomes increasingly likely that Ohtani will be traded. Additionally, Passan emphasized that regardless of a midseason trade, Ohtani's departure from the Angels in free agency is almost certain if the team fails to make the playoffs. It's worth noting that despite having two of the world's best players in Ohtani and Mike Trout, the Angels have not made it to the playoffs since 2014.
Passan also provided insight into the leading contenders to sign Ohtani during free agency, but those details were not disclosed in the given information.
Why is Ohtani Leaving The Angels?
There are several factors that could contribute to Shohei Ohtani leaving the Los Angeles Angels. Firstly, the decision by team owner Arte Moreno not to sell the franchise might hinder the Angels' chances of re-signing Ohtani before he becomes a free agent in the upcoming winter.
Ohtani is regarded as the top free agent in 2024 and is poised to secure one of the most lucrative contracts in MLB history. However, after initially accepting a lesser deal to join the Angels in 2018, Ohtani may now be considering other options for his future.
During the 2022 MLB trade deadline, the Angels received trade inquiries for Ohtani, but Moreno opted to retain the star player as he explored potential opportunities to sell the team for a considerable sum. This decision, along with the team's inability to consistently perform well, has reportedly increased the likelihood of Ohtani seeking a new team.
The Angels have experienced seven consecutive losing seasons and have not made it to the playoffs since 2014. Despite having three of the highest-paid players in baseball, the team has struggled to build a strong supporting cast around Ohtani and Mike Trout, which has likely frustrated Ohtani.
Moreover, Moreno's firm stance on not selling the team has diminished the possibility of new ownership bringing about significant changes and a more competitive approach to spending, which could have influenced Ohtani's decision to stay.
With Ohtani's aspirations to play for a perennial World Series contender, the Angels' lack of competitiveness reduces their appeal as a potential destination for him in free agency. This opens the door for other teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners to pursue Ohtani, who is widely regarded as a perennial MVP candidate.
Considering the circumstances, there is an increasing likelihood that the Angels may consider entertaining trade offers for Ohtani. While Moreno has previously been opposed to such a move, trading Ohtani could offer the team an opportunity to improve their overall roster and farm system.
In summary, Ohtani's potential departure from the Angels can be attributed to Moreno's decision not to sell the team, the team's lack of success and supporting cast, Ohtani's desire for championship contention, and the opening of opportunities with other competitive teams in free agency.
How Much is Shohei Ohtani Worth?
The value of Shohei Ohtani, the talented baseball player, is highly regarded in the MLB. As one of the top free agents in 2024, Ohtani is expected to command a significant contract, potentially making him one of the highest-paid players in the history of the sport.
Having previously accepted a lesser deal when joining the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, Ohtani's upcoming free agency presents an opportunity for him to secure a substantial financial agreement. Speculation suggests that his next contract could surpass previous records, possibly exceeding $500 million.
Ohtani's exceptional abilities as both a pitcher and a hitter have made him a unique and highly sought-after player in the league. His versatility and talent have garnered attention from numerous teams, and his market value reflects his exceptional skills and potential impact on the field.
Given his status as a perennial MVP candidate and the growing demand for players of his caliber, Ohtani's worth in terms of contracts and salary negotiations is anticipated to be substantial. However, the exact value of his next contract will be determined by various factors, including team offers, market conditions, and Ohtani's personal considerations.
Who is Shohei Ohtani?
Shohei Ohtani, born on July 5, 1994, is a renowned Japanese professional baseball player currently representing the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has gained widespread recognition for his exceptional skills as both a pitcher and a hitter, making him a rare and versatile talent in the sport. Ohtani is often referred to by the nicknames "Showtime" and "The Unicorn," which highlight his extraordinary abilities.
Early in his career, Ohtani established himself as an elite two-way player in Japan. He was selected as the top overall pick by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the 2012 draft of Nippon Professional Baseball's (NPB) Pacific League. From 2013 to 2017, he showcased his talents as both a pitcher and an outfielder while playing for the Fighters. Ohtani played a pivotal role in the team's success, including their triumph in winning the Japan Series championship in 2016.
After the 2017 season, Ohtani made the highly anticipated move to MLB and signed with the Los Angeles Angels. His arrival generated significant excitement and anticipation within the baseball community. Ohtani's pitching abilities allow him to throw pitches at high velocities while showcasing a diverse repertoire. Simultaneously, he possesses impressive hitting skills, consistently delivering powerful and well-timed hits.
Ohtani's exceptional talent and achievements have drawn comparisons to baseball legends such as Babe Ruth, who was similarly renowned for his prowess both on the mound and at the plate. Throughout his career, Ohtani has earned numerous accolades, including the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award in 2018. As an international player, he has captivated fans with his remarkable performances, establishing himself as a highly respected and celebrated figure in the world of baseball.
Name
Shohei Ohtani
Born
July 5, 1994
Age
29 years
Birthplace
Oshu, Iwate, Japan
Current Team
Los Angeles Angels
Jersey Number
#17
Position
Pitcher
Height
1.93 m
Weight
95 kg
Salary (2022)
5.5 million USD
Date Joined
March 29, 2018 (Los Angeles Angels)
Parents
Kayoko Otani, Toru Otani
Shohei Ohtani Career
Shohei Ohtani, a talented Japanese baseball player, has made significant contributions to his country's national teams in various international tournaments. Let's take a closer look at his achievements on the global stage.
2012 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup
In 2012, Ohtani was chosen to represent Japan in the Under-18 Baseball World Cup held in Seoul. Although Japan finished in sixth place, Ohtani showcased his skills and talent on the field, leaving a lasting impression with his performance.[170]
2015 WBSC Premier12
The 2015 Premier 12 tournament saw Ohtani playing a crucial role in Japan's success. As a member of the Samurai Japan National Baseball Team, he helped secure a bronze medal for his country. Ohtani emerged as the ace of Japan's pitching staff, alongside notable pitcher Kenta Maeda. Displaying his prowess, Ohtani took the mound twice against the Republic of Korea, winning Game 1 in the opening round and delivering a solid performance in the semifinals. For his exceptional play, Ohtani received recognition as a member of the 2015 World Baseball Softball Confederation All-World Team and was honored as the 2015 WBSC Baseball Player of the Year.[171]
2017 World Baseball Classic
In 2017, Ohtani was selected as part of the 28-man roster for the Japan National Baseball Team competing in the World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately, due to an ankle injury, Ohtani was unable to participate and had to withdraw from the tournament.
2023 World Baseball Classic
Ohtani had the opportunity to represent Japan once again in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He made a significant impact on the team's performance throughout the tournament. Ohtani's exceptional hitting and pitching skills earned him the title of Pool B MVP during the group stage of the competition. In the championship game, he played a crucial role, securing the save and contributing to Japan's victory. Ohtani's outstanding performance earned him the prestigious MVP award for the tournament, with impressive batting statistics of .435 and a remarkable pitching ERA of 1.86
Shohei Ohtani's international career has been marked by his exceptional skills and contributions to the success of the Japanese national teams. His performances in various international tournaments have solidified his reputation as one of the most talented and versatile players in the world of baseball.
Is Ohtani Leaving The Angels? FAQ
Yes, there is speculation that Ohtani may leave the Angels after the upcoming season as he approaches the end of his contract. It is rumored that he could sign the most lucrative contract in the history of American professional sports during the upcoming winter.
Several factors could contribute to Ohtani's potential departure. These include the decision by team owner Arte Moreno not to sell the franchise, the team's lack of success and supporting cast, Ohtani's desire for championship contention, and the opening of opportunities with other competitive teams in free agency.
According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, if the Angels find themselves out of playoff contention, there is a possibility that Ohtani could be traded midseason. However, if the team remains in contention, it is unlikely that he will be traded before the deadline.
Yes, if the Angels fail to make the playoffs, Passan stated that Ohtani will definitely leave the team in the offseason. Ohtani's aspirations to play for a perennial World Series contender may influence his decision to explore other options.
Specific details about the leading contenders to sign Ohtani in free agency have not been disclosed in the given information. However, teams known for their big spending, such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Seattle Mariners, are often mentioned as potential destinations for Ohtani.