According to a report from Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Angels have made a decision to keep two-way star Shohei Ohtani and have taken him off the trade market.
The team received various trade offers for Ohtani but ultimately decided to keep him for a postseason push.
General Manager Perry Minasian will now focus on acquiring pitching help before the trade deadline.
“Shohei Ohtani is off the trade market. After fielding various trade offers for Ohtani and holding internal discussions the past two days, the Angels decided late Wednesday afternoon not only to hold Ohtani but also to be buyers in advance of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, according to a source familiar with the club’s decision.
General manager Perry Minasian will focus on adding a starting pitcher and a reliever before the deadline. The Angels also expect outfielder Mike Trout to return in mid-August from a broken hamate bone, allowing for what could be one last run with Trout and Ohtani as teammates. Ohtani is a free agent after the season and is expected to command a record contract that will make it difficult for the Angels to win the bidding war for him.”
EXCLUSIVE: Shohei Ohtani is off the trade market, a source familiar to the Angels' decision told SI’s Tom Verducci.
Los Angeles, four games off a wild-card spot, will instead make a push for the postseason https://t.co/5Rq6s4ImUW
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 27, 2023
The Angels also expect outfielder Mike Trout to return from injury in mid-August, setting up a potential last run with Trout and Ohtani as teammates.
Ohtani is a free agent after the season and is likely to command a record-breaking contract. The Angels’ game against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday was postponed and a doubleheader has been scheduled for Thursday.
The Angels are currently four games behind the final wild card spot in the American League. Ohtani is scheduled to pitch in the first game against the Tigers on Thursday and the Angels will have an opportunity to gain ground when they face the Toronto Blue Jays in a series starting on Friday.
Ohtani has been impressive both as a pitcher, with an 8-5 record, 3.71 ERA, and 148 strikeouts, and as a batter, hitting a career-best .299 with 36 home runs, 77 RBI, and a 1.066 OPS.
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