MLB Insider: WBC offers clues into Shohei Ohtani’s upcoming free agency

The World Baseball Classic offers clues into Shohei Ohtani’s upcoming free agency and just how important winning is to the two-way superstar.

Winning has always been important to Shohei Ohtani, and it’s expected to play a big role in his free agent decision after the 2023 season. And the latest reminder of that was just how amped Ohtani was after Japan walked off Mexico to win 6-5 on Monday night to advance to the World Baseball Classic Final.

One observer who has spent time around Ohtani said Monday night was as hyped as he’s seen the two-way player throughout his career.

It’s what makes this upcoming season absolutely pivotal for the Los Angeles Angels, who have not made the postseason since signing Ohtani in 2017. Mike Trout, baseball’s best player, has made the playoffs only once in his career and has not won a single postseason game. The Angels upgraded their major-league roster this winter and have put together arguably their best team since signing Ohtani.

Will Shohei Ohtani tasting WBC success signal MLB free agency future?

With the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, New York Mets and numerous other teams set to pursue Ohtani this winter, the Angels making the postseason — and perhaps even winning a playoff series — could go a long way toward giving them a realistic chance at retaining him. Even then, it could prove difficult, as Ohtani is in position to secure the first $500 million contract in baseball history.

Angels owner Arte Moreno has insisted that he has the money available to keep Ohtani in Anaheim for years to come. But winning will be another primary factor.

And while the Angels are confident that they have a playoff team headed into 2023, they need to prove it on the field. Because it could very well be the difference between having a chance to retain Ohtani or watching the most talented player in baseball history depart in free agency before his age-29 season.