Shohei Ohtani again was the focal point of the MLB All-Star Game, both because of his immense talent but also as his free agency hovers over the Los Angeles Angels front office and sport as a whole.
After initially signing with the Angels as an international free agent in December 2017, but limited to the amount he could receive because of age and collective bargaining agreement restrictions, Ohtani agreed to a one-year, $30 million contract for the 2023 season to avoid arbitration.
That left him on track to become a free agent this winter and further fueled speculation the Angels would ultimately consider an Ohtani trade at the August 1 deadline.
Despite suggesting otherwise over recent weeks, it now appears the Angels are at least going to be willing to field Ohtani trade offers, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network:
As I reported on @mlb Network this morning, sources tell me the Angels front office will consider incoming trade inquiries for Shohei Ohtani. The club is not ruling out the possibility of a deadline deal, even though the standard to move Ohtani is extraordinarily high. The team’s performance over the upcoming homestand will be a big consideration in the Angels’ ultimate course. At this point, many in the industry still view a trade as unlikely.
When Angels general manager Perry Minasian implied last month that the team would keep Ohtani and make a postseason push, they were 41-34 and on track to earn a Wild Card berth.
However, a rash of injuries have set in since then and the Angels begin the second half at 45-46. They come out of the All-Star break with series against the Houston Astros and New York Yankees.
Shohei Ohtani trade to Dodgers?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been speculated as one of the primary suitors for Ohtani, both in terms of free agency and a potential trade. The San Diego Padres are also believed to be in the picture, and Seattle Mariners may be as well.
When asked at the All-Star Game which player had garnered his attention, Ohtani answered Mookie Betts, in part because of his versatility.
The Dodgers have the prospect capital to complete an Ohtani trade, but Angels owner Arte Moreno is widely perceived as being unwilling to make a Freeway Series deal.
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