Shohei Ohtani’s damning comments prove Angels exit could be looming

Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani admitted it’s hard to stay motivated on a losing team, which is really bad news for Los Angeles’ chances to keep him.

The Angels opted not to deal Shohei Ohtani at the MLB trade deadline, but there are no guarantees they will be able to hold on to him once he hits free agency in 2024.

Ohtani will be looking for a huge contract when the time comes. Even if Los Angeles can afford the two-way star, their inability to compete for the playoffs may ultimately get in the way of any contract offer.

Recent comments from Ohtani don’t paint an optimistic picture for the Angels.

Shohei Ohtani’s damning comments prove Angels exit could be looming

“Remaining motivated in that way is hard,” Ohtani said through an interpreter, per the Los Angeles Times.

Ohtani was asked about the Angels not being a playoff contender. It was that lack of postseason hope that saw LA trade players at the deadline. Ohtani admitted morale is not high.

“As a team, of course, you can’t continue to play with the high morale that you had when you were aiming for the postseason,” he said.

The worst part for Ohtani has got to be that he’s performing at a high level and it doesn’t make a difference.

“We’re not in a place where it’s good to just think that if you do what you can do in this one at-bat or one inning, or get a result against this one batter, and pile that up and just win the game,” he said. “As a player, it’s pretty tough knowing the chances are low that a win will play a part in getting you to the postseason. But I think I’d like to do what I have to do the best I can.”

Will Ohtani be willing to do the best he can without results on a team level for much longer?

If the Angels think the answer is yes, they’re being extremely optimistic.