Shohei Ohtani doesn’t sound like a long-term member of the Angels

Shohei Ohtani has discussed in the past how he wants to play for a winner, and that could be problematic for his long-term future as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.

A recent quote from Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani is an interesting read when thinking about his long-term future with the franchise

Sam Blum, who is The Athletic beat writer for the Los Angeles Angels, recently asked Ohtani about the combination of wanting to win and playing for the Halos. Here’s what Ohtani had to say about his future.

Sure, the quote was generic and Ohtani said was to be expected, but he also certainly didn’t mention anything about wanting to play for the Angels on a long-term basis, even when prompted about it. Words like “Regardless of where I am playing…” and “Right now, I’m an Angel, and that’s all I can really focus on at this point” provide a little insight into Ohtani knowing he is in Los Angeles … for now, but who knows how much longer.

Trade rumors surrounding Ohtani have started to ramp up since it was made public that the Angels are willing to listen to offers on players, including Ohtani. Combine that nugget with the news that Mike Trout will likely have to deal with a rare back injury that may last for the rest of his career and the Angels having just 42 wins in their first 99 games of the 2022 campaign and it’s easy to see why there is plenty of uncertainty about what is to come under the Big A.

It’s just one quote, but it’s also very telling what Ohtani did (and did not) say about his future with the Los Angeles Angels.