Shohei Ohtani Rumors: Angels Viewed as Top Fit for Star Free Agent
Everything and anything that the Angels do this offseason starts with what happens with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. While he is expected to leave the team this offseason, the Halos remain cautiously optimistic that he will remain with them.
His impending free agency will certainly be unlike anything that we have seen over the years, and it will be watched closely by everyone. The Angels remain in the hunt for his services, but after the team failed to make the playoffs again, the chances remain low.
MLB insider Mark Feinsand put together potential fits for a bunch of the upcoming free agents, and Ohtani was among them.
"Even with a torn UCL that required elbow surgery, Ohtani is easily the top free agent on this year’s market. Even though Ohtani isn't expected to return to the mound until 2025, his offensive profile alone -- which compares favorably to Aaron Judge, who signed for nine years and $360 million last year when he was a year older than Ohtani will be -- should land him a deal in the 10-year, $400 million range. The contract is likely to top $500 million, though the guaranteed dollars are sure to take a hit from what they would have been without the injury. Potential fits: Angels, Dodgers, Giants, Mariners”
It’s interesting that the Halos were listed here, but they are a good fit for him. He has spent his entire MLB career with the Angels, and he is comfortable there. But the team hasn’t been able to show him that they can field a winning team, so he is likely to leave.
It's more likely for him to join a team like the cross-town rival Los Angeles Dodgers, and they have been the favorite to get him for a while now. Angels fans wouldn't enjoy seeing him in Dodger Blue, but the organization has failed Ohtani since he joined them years ago.
This situation will be one to watch closely, and we should figure everything out soon since the offseason is about to be in the full swing of things.
