MLB rumors: 5 biggest threats to Angels for Shohei Ohtani
By Drew Koch
When it comes to MLB rumors, none will be bigger than where Shohei Ohtani could eventually sign once he reaches free agency after next season.
Shohei Ohtani will not become a free agent until after the 2023 season, but the MLB rumors are already beginning to swirl. The Los Angeles Angels two-way star is one of the biggest names in the game and if he hits the open market, we’re likely to see a flurry of teams make their pitch.
Ohtani will be looking to break the bank, and rightfully so. Last year’s AL MVP is must-see-TV. He can pitch, he can hit, and when he makes contact, the ball goes a long way.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the Angels had informal discussions regarding an extension for Ohtani late in spring training with his agent.
The Angels already owe an enormous amount of money to Mike Trout, so the possibility exists that Ohtani may leave southern California after next season. Who are the five biggest threats to the Angels if Ohtani reaches free agency?
5. The San Francisco Giants are a threat to sign Shohei Ohtani
Perhaps Shoehi Ohtani will just relocate a little further north and join the San Francisco Giants. With the DH now part of the National League scene, there’s no reason to believe a team like the Giants wouldn’t be involved in negotiations with Ohtani.
The Giants compete in one of the most difficult divisions in baseball, namely because the NL West is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are unafraid to spend money, so if San Fran wants to play with the big boys, they’re going to have to pony up the dough.
Furthermore, you’d have to believe that the Dodgers would be in the mix for Ohtani’s services as well. What a boon it would be if the Giants were able to ink Ohtani to a deal and keep him from signing with their division rival.