Where could Shohei Ohtani land this offseason? Here are six possibilities.
1. Los Angeles Angels
Yes, this is the boring result this offseason and not an incredibly likely one. However, Ohtani staying with the Angels shouldn't be completely written off. The Angels would need to rebuild the rotation but clearly, the team has talent and is looking to reset the culture after another failure of a season.
Ron Washington and the leadership he will bring around him is the perfect change for this team. As frustrating as Ohtani staying with the Angels would be in the immediate, if things turn for the Angels, it would give MLB fans what they have wanted each of the past few seasons — the chance to watch Ohtani and Trout play in meaningful baseball games in October.
Staying with the Angels keeps this duo together and gives Washington a chance to help right what has been mishandled talent. The obvious downside to this move is Ohtani joining the same team that has been expected to be a playoff contender and failed isn't exciting, but it makes sense when you consider what the Angels will be without their franchise star.
To keep Ohtani, the Angels would need to be willing to make a myriad of free agency moves and prove they can build a team worthy of keeping the league's most unique talent.