Is Shohei Ohtani considering a change of scenery?
As the 2023 MLB trade deadline loomed, all eyes were on the superstar Shohei Ohtani. It appeared he might leave Los Angeles for a fresh start elsewhere, but that scenario never materialized. Instead, he remained with the Angels, who were eager to revive their playoff hopes.
Unfortunately, the Angels’ efforts to turn their season around fell short, and Ohtani’s season took a tragic turn when he suffered a torn UCL, sidelining him for the rest of the year. This injury plus the fact he just cleaned out his locker has cast even more uncertainty on his already unclear future.
Despite the setback, Ohtani remains a strong contender for the AL MVP Award. However, he’s already contemplating his future beyond this season and is gearing up for free agency, where it’s almost certain he will seek a new team. The big question is, where will he land?
Earlier in his career, Ohtani made it clear that he preferred playing on the West Coast, effectively ruling out potential suitors like the New York Yankees. However, time and experience can alter one’s perspective, and at the age of 29, Ohtani seems to be reconsidering his stance.
Not only is Ohtani looking to join a team with genuine World Series aspirations, but it seems that East Coast teams are now on his radar. Renowned MLB insider Peter Gammons has reported that the Boston Red Sox have piqued the interest of the three-time All-Star.
The Red Sox might not have been the first team people envisioned as a potential destination for Ohtani. They not only represent an East Coast team but are also in the early stages of a rebuild and far from being considered World Series contenders. This choice appears to be a departure from everything Ohtani had previously expressed as his preferences for his next team.
Whether this newfound interest is genuine or an attempt by Ohtani’s agent to enhance his market value remains to be seen. However, one thing appears increasingly likely: the world’s greatest player may soon bid farewell to Los Angeles. His locker was empty on a recent Friday evening, and the Angels had no explanation for it.
Could it be “Shotime” in Beantown?
