If the current season were to come to an end, the Los Angeles Angels would once again find themselves missing the playoffs for the ninth consecutive year. This includes the six seasons since the acquisition of the All-Star Shohei Ohtani. As Ohtani is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of this season, he recently expressed his increasing desire to play for a winning team as each year passes. The 29-year-old superstar, speaking ahead of the All-Star Game in Seattle, shared his thoughts on his long-term future and the importance of reaching the playoffs.
A Growing Priority
When asked if making it to the playoffs has become a higher priority as he ponders his future, Ohtani replied through his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, that his feelings grow stronger with each passing year. Losing is an unpleasant experience for Ohtani, who yearns to be on the winning side. The desire to win intensifies over time, reinforcing his aspirations to be part of a successful team.
Record Contract and Potential Trade
Ohtani is expected to command a record-breaking contract if he decides to explore the free-agent market. Meanwhile, the Angels, who currently hold a 45-46 record at the All-Star break, might consider trading the 2021 American League MVP before the August 1 deadline in order to receive valuable assets in return. Ohtani is in the final year of his two-year, $8.5 million contract, which he signed before the 2021 season to avoid arbitration. While trade rumors swirl around him, Ohtani focuses on the game at hand, acknowledging that the uncertainty of trades is the most challenging aspect of striving for victories on a daily basis.
Ohtani’s Dominance
At the All-Star break, Ohtani leads the league in several statistical categories, including home runs (32), triples (six), and slugging percentage (.663). Additionally, he boasts a career-high batting average of .302. On the pitching mound, Ohtani has a 3.32 ERA, slightly higher than his career average of 3.04, but maintains an impressive average of 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings, with a total of 123 strikeouts in 100⅓ innings pitched. With such remarkable performances, Ohtani’s potential contract value could exceed $500 million, attracting teams to pursue him in a manner similar to the pursuits of Peyton Manning and LeBron James when they were free agents.
The Free Agency Unknown
As a first-time free agent, Ohtani admits uncertainty regarding what lies ahead. However, he remains focused on the current season, emphasizing his commitment to giving his best performance and securing as many wins as possible. When asked about the efforts of players at the All-Star Game to recruit him, Ohtani chose to keep that information a secret, leaving fans and analysts curious about potential future teammates.
In summary, Shohei Ohtani’s desire to play for a winning team grows stronger with each passing year. The Los Angeles Angels face the possibility of missing the playoffs once again, and Ohtani’s impending free agency adds another layer of uncertainty. Despite trade rumors and the potential for a record-breaking contract, Ohtani remains focused on the present season while keeping his future plans under wraps. The All-Star Game serves as a platform for players to express their admiration for Ohtani, but his recruitment remains a mystery. As Ohtani continues to dominate both on the mound and at the plate, the anticipation surrounding his future is palpable.
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