When it became clear the Washington Nationals were entertaining a Juan Soto trade at the deadline this season, that led to speculation the Los Angeles Angels would be open to holding talks for Shohei Ohtani.
The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly attempted to discuss an Ohtani trade with the Angels but negotiations never gained any traction. The Angels additionally declined to engage with other teams and kept their two-way star at the deadline.
That decision struck some as curious, particularly when factoring in the Angels were poised to miss the postseason once again and Ohtani being due to become a free agent after the 2023 season.
On the heels of a report suggesting the Angels would not complete an Ohtani trade this offseason, general manager Perry Minasian emphatically stated that is the case, via Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group:
“Ohtani is not getting moved,” Minasian said. “He’s going to be here. He’ll be with us to start the season. I know there’s been rumors and all types of things, but he will be here. He’ll be part of the club. I said this before and I’ll say it again: We love the player. I think our goal is for him to be here for a long time.”
Minasian’s comments at the outset of the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas were to be expected. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo stated as much about Soto, only to trade him shortly thereafter.
That’s not to suggest the Angels will take a similar path with Ohtani, particularly when factoring in the franchise is for sale. Trading Ohtani could hurt owner Arte Moreno’s quest in receiving maximum value should he move forward with selling.
How would Dodgers trade for Shohei Ohtani?
If the Angels were to divert from their public stance, an Ohtani trade likely would net them one of the most substantial returns in MLB history despite the possibility of only being a rental next year.
From the Dodgers’ perspective, an Ohtani trade presumably would need to include parting with Bobby Miller, Miguel Vargas and Ryan Pepiot as the headliners.
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