MLB rumors: Shohei Ohtani, Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates
By Kevin Henry
Shohei Ohtani rumors: New teams in the mix for the two-way superstar?
According to MLB insider Jon Morosi, it seems that the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants aren’t the only two teams that are hoping to work a miracle and find a path to trade with the Los Angeles Angels for Shohei Ohtani.
Sources: Orioles, DBacks among teams inquiring with the Angels about Shohei Ohtani’s trade availability.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2023
Both clubs’ interest has been described as due diligence; both teams have the young talent base conducive to making a trade.@MLBNetwork @MLBPipeline
Both the Orioles and Diamondbacks are interesting names as both would receive a sure boost as they fight for the top of the American League East and National League West, respectively. Either Baltimore or Arizona landing Ohtani would also be a blow to those team’s division rivals in the New York Yankees (AL East) and Dodgers and Giants in the NL West, all of whom are hoping to lure Ohtani to their clubhouse.
As mentioned in the tweet, both teams do have prospects that could be used as trade collateral … but is it enough to take Ohtani away from the Angels? Also, would these two teams that have worked so hard to get into postseason position be willing to mortgage their near futures for an Ohtani rental and a hope they could sign him to a long-term deal?
It’s a fascinating thought, but there are still plenty of indications that the Angels will not give up Ohtani at the MLB trade deadline, especially with the team within 4.0 games of an AL Wild Card slot heading into Monday’s action.