Shohei Ohtani not willing to commit to Los Angeles Angels just yet
Shohei Ohtani is finally living up to his billing this season. He has been one of the more exciting players in the game in the batter’s box, hitting for power while showing his impressive speed on the basepaths. Meanwhile, Ohtani has been dominant on the mound, showing that he can be the ace the Los Angeles Angels need.
Given his performance this season, it would not be a surprise if the Angels approached Ohtani about an extension. However, Ohtani is not willing to make that sort of commitment just yet.
Shohei Ohtani: "I really like the team. I love the fans ... but, more than that, I want to win. I'll leave it at that."
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) September 26, 2021
He says there are no talks about a contract extension now. He has two years beyond this one before free agency.
Shohei Ohtani needs to see Los Angeles Angels start winning
It makes sense that Ohtani would want to see the Angels begin to win. They have arguably the best player in the game on the roster in Mike Trout, yet have found their way to the postseason just once in his career. Ohtani is not interested in suffering the same fate.
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It also makes sense from a financial standpoint for Ohtani to wait. He is under team control for another two seasons, including the final year of a two year contract he had signed after the 2020 campaign. If he can replicate his performance this year, Ohtani would be on pace for an impressive payday, be it with the Angels or another team.
Ohtani has been everything that the Angels could have hoped for this year. He has posted an impressive 158 OPS+ with 45 homers and 24 steals, along with an AL leading seven triples, in his 612 plate appearances. Meanwhile, he has also posted a 3.18 ERA and a 1.090 WHiP in his 130.1 innings, striking out 156 batters with 44 walks. He has done everything he could to help the Angels win this season.
Now it is up to the front office and ownership. While Trout has confidence that the Angels will turn the corner, Ohtani is being far more cautious. He wants to see those results before committing himself to a long term deal to remain in Los Angeles, as he simply wants to win, regardless of where it happens.
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Shohei Ohtani is not ready to commit to the Los Angeles Angels for the long haul. He wants to see them start winning before making that deal.