Shohei Ohtani trade rumors: Los Angeles Angels star not going anywhere yet
There is no harm in trying. Such is the case with those teams to call the Los Angeles Angels and ask about Shohei Ohtani.
Such calls make sense. The Angels are in the midst of another disappointing season and are not going to be anywhere near the playoffs once 2022 comes to an end. Ohtani also has one year of arbitration left and is going to be expensive to keep. As it is, the Angels may not be able to afford an extension for their two way sensation.
Los Angeles Angels not willing to trade Shohei Ohtani yet
That does not mean that the Angels are going to listen. According to Jon Morosi, the Angels are not interested in dealing Ohtani prior to the trade deadline. Despite the speculation, nothing is going to happen on that front.
At least nothing is going to happen yet. It is interesting that Morosi specified the trade deadline, seemingly indicating that the Angels may revisit those talks in the offseason. That could simply be reading too much into his tweet, but to specifically mention the deadline makes one wonder.
Ohtani’s cost in terms of prospects would likely surpass what the Nationals are eyeing for Juan Soto. While Soto may be a superstar in his own right, he does not possess the same type of package that Ohtani does. Not only is the Angels’ star a dynamic threat anywhere in the lineup, but he would slot in as an ace on virtually any team in the majors.
Maybe some team will make that Godfather offer that the Angels cannot refuse. Or maybe a team will be close enough where discussions take place. Intentions can change depending on the offers presented. However, at this point, Shohei Ohtani is not going anywhere.
The Los Angeles Angels have no intentions of trading Shohei Ohtani before the trade deadline this year. But that could change during the offseason.