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MLB Rumors: Eduardo Rodriguez race, Angels money quote, Dylan Cease

By Mark Powell

May 4, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) smiles as he walks off the mound after completing eight shutout innings against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) smiles as he walks off the mound after completing eight shutout innings against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shohei Ohtani, Shohei Ohtani trade rumors
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – JULY 22: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels runs to first base against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 22, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Angels had no choice with Shohei Ohtani

While the Angels took calls on Shohei Ohtani — as is their right given their current standing in the American League — they never really intended on trading him. Perry Minasian kept in contact with Ohtani, relaying that they were receiving calls but also insisting he wasn’t on the market.

Even as a rental, Ohtani would have offered up a trade return the likes of which we’ve never seen. Some pundits compared it to the Nationals-Dodgers trade for Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, except in this case Ohtani is only one player — he just happens to have the skills of both those All-Stars.

In the end, the Angels knew they couldn’t receive fair value for Ohtani. So why not try to win with him on the roster? We now know that’s what Ohtani prefers. He may still leave this offseason, but trading a generational talent is a move a losing team would make. Arte Moreno and Perry Minasian do not consider the Angels of that variety.

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