MLB trade deadline: The best asset every team can trade for Shohei Ohtani

Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. (Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports)
Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. (Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Shohei Ohtani, Angels
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. (Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports) /

Best trade asset every NL Central team can offer for Shohei Ohtani

Ohtani wants to play on the west coast — that’s common knowledge at this point. However, the midwest does have some charm that Ohtani likely isn’t familiar with at this juncture. Any trade for Ohtani would be costly, and the Central doesn’t have many contending teams. Nonetheless, let’s play devil’s advocate.

Cincinnati Reds best trade asset for Shohei Ohtani: Noelvi Marte

No, the Reds would not trade Elly De La Cruz for Ohtani straight up, even I know that. Marte, however, is their second-best prospect in a loaded system, and the 17th-ranked prospect in all of baseball. Marte was acquired from the Seattle Mariners for Luis Castillo, so Cincinnati would essentially be flipping Castillo for the best player in baseball. It won’t happen, but it’d be awesome.

Chicago Cubs best trade asset for Shohei Ohtani: Pete Crow-Armstrong

The Cubs love Pete Crow-Armstrong, so there’s no guarantee this trade would be made even if Ohtani were interested in Chicago long-term. Nonetheless, Crow-Armstrong is the No. 8 prospect in all of baseball and already in Double-A. His arrival in Chicago could come as early as next season. Crow-Armstrong has a solid bat, but his 80-grade fielding tool is among the best in the minor leagues.

Milwaukee Brewers best trade asset for Shohei Ohtani: Jackson Chourio

In yet another installment of a trade which won’t happen, the Brew Crew have one of the top-3 prospects in all of baseball in Jackson Chourio. The 19-year-old outfielder is already in Double-A, and could make his MLB debut by his 21st birthday. The problem with Milwaukee acquiring Ohtani is that there isn’t much chance at a long-term extension.

Pittsburgh Pirates best trade asset for Shohei Ohtani: Henry Davis

Davis made his big-league debut last month for the Bucs. The former No. 1 overall pick has seen extended time in right field, but he came up in the system primarily as a catcher. With the Angels, Davis could receive playing time right away and be a key piece to their retooling in hopes of making the postseason in 2024. Of course, Ohtani remaining in Pittsburgh beyond 2023 would depend on Bob Nutting opening his wallet, which is never a wise course of action.

St. Louis Cardinals best trade asset for Shohei Ohtani: Jordan Walker

Jordan Walker made his debut earlier this season in St. Louis, and he’s off-limits in most trades. However, Ohtani is not most players. Walker has done a great job at improving his fly-ball rate. While he had an impressive hit streak upon his debut, the advanced stats suggested he was getting on top of the baseball far too often, which isn’t sustainable. Sadly for the Angels, he will not be coming to Anaheim.