MLB Rumors: Shohei Ohtani trade fate made clear by odds

The latest odds pinpoint the most likely outcome of the trade rumors circling Los Angeles Angels pitcher/DH extraordinaire Shohei Ohtani.

The Los Angeles Angels have been embroiled in ceaseless trade speculation centered on superstar Shohei Ohtani, whose contract expires at the end of the season. With the Angels now nine games out of first place in the AL West, the Ohtani trade chatter has only increased in volume.

He’s the best player in the world and the Angels run a very real risk of losing him for nothing if no deal is made. Ohtani reportedly wants to contend and to live a private lifestyle, neither of which are boxes Los Angeles can realistically check right now. Plus, after six years of mediocrity, it wouldn’t be shocking for Ohtani to simply prefer a change of scenery.

That said, a trade is far from guaranteed. In fact, right at this very moment, the expectation is that Los Angeles will rebuff all overtures and keep Ohtani down the stretch of the season.

New odds predict Los Angeles Angels will not trade Shohei Ohtani

The Angels are heavy favorites to have Ohtani on their roster when the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline passes, per DraftKings. The Dodgers and Giants are unsurprisingly the most likely destinations should a trade happen — both west coast contenders who have compelling cases to convince Ohtani to re-sign — but right now an Ohtani trade is unlikely.

This shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. It’s hard to get the best player of a generation on your roster and it’s even harder to let that player go. If Ohtani remains in Los Angeles, it will be a calculated gamble on the Angels’ part. His familiarity with the franchise and the promise of future growth could be enough to keep him around next winter, especially if the Angels offer up the biggest contract in MLB history as expected.

Ohtani is the virtual shoo-in to win AL MVP. There isn’t a more formidable presence at the plate right now; he’s laughably slashing .306/.397/.678 with 35 home runs and 76 RBIs. His pitching has suffered lately due to a lingering blister issue, but he’s still 7-5 on the mound with a respectable 3.50 ERA and 139 strikeouts in 105.1 innings pitched.

The Angels essentially have 10 days left to mull over what is potentially the biggest decision in franchise history. Ohtani’s career numbers are on track with Babe Ruth, who famously spent the first six years of his career with one team before getting traded. If the Angels hang tight and Ohtani bolts in free agency, it could end up being an irreparable set back. If the Angels hang tight and he re-signs, however, Los Angeles could play host to one of the most historic careers ever.

That’s a gamble worth taking, but Aug. 1 will give us a good sense of just how confident the Angels are about Ohtani’s future with the franchise.