The Los Angeles Angels have reportedly made a decision on two-way franchise superstar Shohei Ohtani.
According to a report from Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated, the Angels have taken the 2021 American League MVP “off the trade market.” Verducci stated that the Angels took several offers but ultimately decided that they want to keep him for a postseason push.
Not only that, but Verducci added that GM Perry Minasian will be eyeing pitching help ahead of the 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.”
The Angels’ Wednesday game against the Detroit Tigers was postponed, and a doubleheader was announced for Thursday. With the Toronto Blue Jays emerging victorious on Wednesday, the Angels will enter play on Thursday four games out of the final wild card spot in the AL.
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Ohtani is scheduled to pitch the first game against the Tigers on Thursday.
The Angels will have a golden opportunity to gain ground on the Jays when they visit Toronto for a three-game series that begins Friday.
As a pitcher, Ohtani is 8-5 with a 3.71 ERA with 148 strikeouts. As a batter, he’s hitting a career-best .299 with 36 homers, 77 RBI and a 1.066 OPS.
