Surprising Red Sox Rival Reportedly Linked To Angels Superstar Shohei Ohtani

The American League East already is arguably the most competitive division in all of baseball but it could get even deeper.

The AL East is the only division in which each team has won at least 50 games already this season. With the August 1 trade deadline quickly approaching, each team could find itself in an even better position depending on the moves they make. The Boston Red Sox have surprised people already this season and could end up being buyers ahead of the deadline. Many expected the Red Sox to be sellers but now Boston is one of the hottest teams in baseball.

Although things have gone well for the Red Sox lately, things may get more difficult soon as the division rival Baltimore Orioles surprisingly could get involved in the trade market for Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"In a season in which perennial AL powers the (New York Yankees), (Houston Astros) and Red Sox are relatively down, Ohtani would be a left-handed hitter perfectly suited for Camden Yards and the top-of-the-rotation starter the Orioles need," Rosenthal said. "The team, which features a number of young starters, would benefit from the six-man rotation necessary to accommodate Ohtani, too. Which isn’t to say the Orioles would be a lock to pursue Ohtani aggressively. Managing partner John Angelos would need to significantly expand a $61 million payroll that was the second-lowest in the majors at the start of the season, ahead of only the (Oakland Athletics).

"General manager Mike Elias would need to part with the necessary talent for Ohtani when he has traded only one prospect since taking over in 2019 — shortstop Darell Hernaiz, who ranked behind others in his system when he went to the A’s for Cole Irvin. Still, Elias could justify this. Not only could he justify it, his pool of young talent includes so many duplicates, he could acquire Ohtani and still have enough left to trade for a seventh-inning reliever to put in front of All-Stars Yennier Cano and Felix Bautista."

Ohtani undoubtedly is the best and most unique player in all of baseball right now and if he is traded ahead of the deadline -- although unlikely -- could immediately catapult a team to contender status. Baltimore is just one game behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the AL East and has some serious young talent. While Ohtani may be too expensive to remain in Baltimore long-term, the Orioles could offer an enticing trade package to add him as a rental for the remainder of the 2023 campaign and truly compete for a World Series title.

A move may be unlikely, but Red Sox fans should be keeping a close eye on the Orioles.

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