After plenty of speculation and possibly coming to the realization that there was no way to positively spin trading a generational superstar, Shohei Ohtani is no longer an option for any team that may make an inquiry.
Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci reported this new development Wednesday night. This is despite heavy interest from several clubs trying to pry the two-way superstar away from Los Angeles. It does not stop at taking Shohei Ohtani off the market, as the Angels have found themselves in a position to buy at the deadline. That process began shortly after the report about Ohtani no longer being available.
The Angels went out and acquired Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez from the Chicago White Sox to improve their pitching staff. Do not expect the improvements to stop there as the team is still looking to make additions ahead of the deadline. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi has reported that the Angels are also interested in adding a bat in Washington’s Jeimer Candelario.
Los Angeles trying to capitalize on Shohei Ohtani in case this is his last season with the Angels
There is a very good chance that Shohei Ohtani is not with the Angels after this season. Considering the extended playoff drought and the overall lack of success the team has experienced during Mike Trout’s time with the team, it is not necessarily a true now or never situation, but it is pretty close to it.
It would be a pretty bad look down the line if the Angels are not even able to get to the postseason while having not one, but two of the best players to ever play the game on their roster. With a roster that has plenty of talent and being within reach of a possible postseason berth, going for it while they still can is the way to go. It is better to go down swinging rather than wondering what could have been and it appears that the Angels have made their choice, a choice for the better.
