MLB Spring Training: 1 prediction for every AL West team

Los Angeles Angels

Prediction: Shohei Ohtani is not traded, but this is his last season with Angels

The Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes began last trade deadline as teams checked in on the superstar two-way player. The Angels, however, almost instantly told teams that they had no intentions of trading Ohtani.

Entering the season, it’s viewed as unlikely that the Angels will trade Ohtani. Ohtani will become a free agent at the end of the season — and I believe it will be his last season in Anaheim.

Angels owner Arte Moreno has indicated that he will attempt to re-sign Ohtani, but the bidding is going to get to a historic level. Rival executives and agents anticipate his eventual contract will exceed $500 million, with the big-spending Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and New York Mets being among the many bidders.

Perhaps the Angels making the postseason could make their chances at retaining Ohtani more realistic. But that’s been a struggle, even with Mike Trout, and why many feel that the Angels are on the outside looking in when it comes to Ohtani’s free agency.