3 teams that still wouldn’t be World Series contenders after trading for Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on after drawing a walk during the third inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on after drawing a walk during the third inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Shohei Ohtani
ANAHEIM, CA – May 27: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches during the game against the Miami Marlins at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on May 27, 2023 in Anaheim, California. The Marlins defeated the Angels 8-5. (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

These three MLB contenders could add Shohei Ohtani to their roster and they’d still be short of having a World Series-caliber roster.

How much of a difference can Shohei Ohtani make for one team? The two-way star is once again the subject of trade speculation. He could single-handedly help put a team over the top because of what he does on the mound and at the plate.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of teams who wouldn’t be a whole lot better with Ohtani on the roster. There are obvious clubs like the Oakland Athletics who aren’t sniffing the World Series even if they added three Ohtanis to the roster right now.

Looking exclusively at possible playoff contenders in the mix right now, it’s these three clubs whose dream of landing Ohtani should be dashed for one reason. Even if Ohtani was on their roster, they’re not serious World Series contenders.

3) The Marlins wouldn’t be World Series contenders if they traded for Shohei Ohtani

Frauds. The Miami Marlins should change their logo to an anchor because they’re sinking quickly. Their negative run differential has caught up with them. They’re going to fade fast. Not even Ohtani could save them.

The Marlins are a team built on pitching. However, a down year out of last season’s NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara has made them a more-balanced ball club if only because the pitching hasn’t been so superb.

This year’s Marlins club is more of a promising one than an actual World Series contender. The bullpen hasn’t been as sharp of late and the decision to demote Eury Perez to limit his innings was a wave of the white flag.

Ohtani to the Marlins was never going to happen anyway. The only teams who should trade for him are those with an interest in retaining him. Ohtani’s desire to play for a winner with a rumored preference for the West Coast eliminates the Marlins already.