MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani timeline could make for chaotic MLB trade deadline

The world is waiting to see if the Los Angeles Angels will actually trade Shohei Ohtani at the upcoming MLB trade deadline, and the latest bit of MLB rumors suggests the world will have to wait a little longer to see what direction the Angels will take.

MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani decision could come down to the last moments of MLB trade deadline

According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, the Angels could wait until the final hours of the upcoming MLB trade deadline (set for August 1) to decide if they will actually accept any of the offers being thrown toward them in an attempt to land Shohei Ohtani in what could be a league-shifting deal.

It’s an interesting time for the Angels as they’re coming off a three-game sweep of the New York Yankees in Anaheim, the team’s first sweep of New York since 2009. The win, however, wasn’t just historic. It also pushed the Angels back over the .500 mark (49-48) and has them just 4.5 games out of the AL Wild Card chase.

While the Angels have said they are open to listening to trade offers for Ohtani, it’s also clear that those trade offers are going to have to meet some high demands with Morosi reporting, “Suitors must be prepared to offer multiple top-100 type prospects to begin the conversation.” It’s also clear that the Angels are not going to trade Ohtani if they’re actually in the middle of a chase for the postseason, so it may come down to those final few games before the trade deadline before the Angels will truly feel more comfortable with deciding their fate.

After an off day on Thursday, Los Angeles opens a three-game series at home against Pittsburgh before traveling to Detroit for three games and Toronto for a weekend three-game set. The Angels will then travel to Atlanta to start a series on July 31 and will be there as the trade deadline passes.