Angels' Outfielder Likes LA's Chances of Resigning Shohei Ohtani After 2023 Season
The last time that Shohei Ohtani had the freedom to make a decision as to where he would play next after leaving his home country of Japan, he went the route of the Angels and grew into the mega-star that we all know him as today.
A ton of new fans learned just how incredible is this past offseason in the WBC, even those who don't follow baseball too much. The historic showdown between Team Japan and Team USA saw Ohtani step up when it mattered most and win the championship. These same new fans must've thought that he's done the same in the MLB right?
Well, some quick research probably showed them that the 28-year-old has yet to even sniff a playoff berth since he joined the Halos back in 2018. This season could very well be his last with the franchise and they've gone all in to ensure they prove he should re-sign.
Confidence All Around The Clubhouse
Even the fans of opposing teams that are praying the Angels hit a big slump and eventually make Ohtani available for a trade in a few months have to acknowledge their solid start to the year.
Yes, there have still been many issues within the roster and the starting pitchers have put the squad in early holes multiple times already. Hitting has also not been the best for them each night, notably on Saturday when they fell 6-2 to the Minnesota Twins.
But this team is having fun together and it looks like Ohtani is connecting with this group more than any in the past.
Outfielder Taylor Ward recently spoke to Forbes about just how special of player Ohtani is and that he believes the Angels will be able to prove to Ohtani that LA should remain his home, as long as they continue winning habits.
“We need to win,” Ward said. ““Shohei wants to win. Everyone knows that. Obviously, we want to keep him here and the best way to do that is to win and prove to him that this is the ballclub that he should be on, the team he should be on both on the mound and in the box. I just think just going through throughout the year that he needs to see we have a good clubhouse and are doing everything we can to win.”
(Via Forbes)
Team manager Phil Nevin also touched on how this current roster has been able to bond each day.
“We have a good group of guys who are close-knit and spend a lot of time together away from the park, too” the manager said. “I think our guys like playing here.”
(Via Forbes)
LA continues to linger around .500 but there is still a lot of season left for them to rack up that win column.
