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Shohei Ohtani rumors: 4 teams that could trade for him if Angels drop

By Seth Carlson

Apr 18, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) follows through on a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2023; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) follows through on a two run home run against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres infield members wait during a pitching change against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres infield members wait during a pitching change against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports /

4 teams that could trade for Shohei Ohtani this summer if the Angels fall out of contention

3. San Diego Padres

One thing we’ve learned not to do is count out the San Diego Padres when it comes to the player acquisition front. They’ve been bold and brash over the years and especially recently, trading for stars like Juan Soto and signing others like Xander Bogaerts and Manny Machado.

And with A.J. Preller as their GM? You simply can’t rule out the possibility of a Shohei Ohtani trade.

The Padres could also be in the hunt to sign Ohtani as a free agent after the season, but they’ve clearly committed to 2023, so why stop now? Preller learned under former Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels, who once said he didn’t believe in “half-measures”.

This isn’t to suggest San Diego has taken any “half-measures”, because they definitely haven’t. But being as “all-in” as the Padres are for this season, it feels like they’ll do anything to win, even after doling out hundreds of millions in contract extensions and free agent signings, as well as depleting their farm system.

Simply put, the Padres have earned the right to be mentioned as a suitor for any big name, and particularly if a player of Shohei Ohtani’s caliber becomes available.

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