Shohei Ohtani Trade Speculations: What Are the Chances and Who Are the Suitors?

The Shohei Ohtani Trade Speculations are flying. Lets talk about it. Shohei Ohtani is the most unique and exciting player in baseball right now. The Los Angeles Angels star is a two-way sensation who can hit home runs and strike out batters with equal ease. He is the first player in MLB history to be selected as an All-Star as both a pitcher and a hitter, and he is the frontrunner for the American League MVP award.

But despite his incredible performance, Ohtani’s future with the Angels is not certain. He will be eligible for free agency after the 2023 season, and many teams have expressed interest in acquiring him before then. The Angels have not seriously considered any trade offers for Ohtani so far, but they could change their mind if they fall out of contention or if Ohtani indicates he wants to play elsewhere.

So what are the chances of a Shohei Ohtani trade happening, and who are the potential suitors?

Here are four factors to consider:

1. The Angels’ stance: The Angels have made it clear that they want to keep Ohtani and build around him. They have one of the best players in the game in Mike Trout, who is signed through 2030, and they have invested heavily in other stars like Anthony Rendon, David Fletcher, and Raisel Iglesias. They also have a new general manager in Perry Minasian, who has vowed to improve the team’s pitching and defense. The Angels’ owner Arte Moreno loves his biggest stars and did not want to hear any trade offers for Ohtani this offseason⁴. The Angels would only consider trading Ohtani if they receive an overwhelming offer of established major leaguers, not prospects¹⁵.
2. Ohtani’s preference: Ohtani has not publicly expressed any dissatisfaction with the Angels or any desire to play elsewhere. He seems to enjoy playing in Los Angeles, where he has a large fan base and a supportive organization. He also has a close relationship with his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who has been with him since his arrival in MLB. Ohtani has not ruled out signing an extension with the Angels, but he has also not engaged in any negotiations yet. He could wait until he becomes a free agent and test the market, or he could request a trade if he feels the Angels are not competitive enough.
3. The market demand: There is no doubt that Ohtani would be the most coveted player on the trade market if he becomes available. He is a rare talent who can impact the game in multiple ways, and he is still only 27 years old. He is also relatively affordable, as he will earn $8.5 million in 2023 and will likely command a record-breaking contract in free agency. Many teams would be willing to pay a hefty price to acquire him, especially those who are looking for a boost in their offense, pitching, or both.
4. The potential suitors: While almost every team would love to have Ohtani on their roster, some are more realistic than others. Here are five possible destinations for Ohtani if he gets traded:

• New York Yankees: The Yankees have always been interested in Ohtani since he came to MLB. They have the financial resources and the market appeal to lure him, and they could use his bat and arm to bolster their lineup and rotation. They also have some young talent to offer in return, such as Gleyber Torres or Clint Frazier².
• New York Mets: The Mets are another big-market team that could afford Ohtani and give him a chance to win. They have a new owner in Steve Cohen who is willing to spend big and make bold moves. They also have some intriguing prospects to trade, such as Brett Baty or Francisco Alvarez².
• Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers are the reigning World Series champions and one of the best teams in baseball. They have a deep roster and a rich history of success. They could offer Ohtani a chance to stay on the West Coast and in the same city, while playing for a perennial contender. They also have some surplus players to trade, such as Gavin Lux or Tony Gonsolin².
• Seattle Mariners: The Mariners are a dark horse candidate for Ohtani, but they have some factors in their favor. They have a young and talented core that is on the rise, and they could use Ohtani to push them over the edge. They also have a large Asian fan base and a history of Japanese players, such as Ichiro Suzuki and Hisashi Iwakuma. They also have some promising prospects to trade, such as Jarred Kelenic or Julio Rodriguez².
• San Francisco Giants: The Giants are another surprise contender that could make a run at Ohtani. They have a veteran team that is leading the NL West, and they have a savvy front office that knows how to make smart moves. They also have a beautiful ballpark and a loyal fan base. They also have some quality players to trade, such as Joey Bart or Heliot Ramos².

Shohei Ohtani is a once-in-a-generation player who can change the fortunes of any team he joins. He is currently the face of the Angels, but he could also be the subject of the biggest trade in MLB history. The chances of that happening are slim, but not impossible. The Angels will have to decide whether to keep him or trade him, and Ohtani will have to decide whether to stay or go. The outcome of this saga will have a huge impact on the future of baseball.

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Sources and References for this post: Shohei Ohtani Trade Speculations
(1) Four reasons why the Angels decided not to trade Shohei Ohtani this …..
(2) Shohei Ohtani Trade Rumors: Angels Would Seek Established MLB Players …..
(3) A Shohei Ohtani Trade is Possible, Do Cubs Make Sense? – Bleacher Nation.
(4) 5 Blockbuster MLB Trades Involving All-Stars, Including Shohei Ohtani …..
(5) Shohei Ohtani trade rumors: Ranking 5 possible MLB team destinations.
(6) Shohei Ohtani Trade Value | Should I Trade Shohei Ohtani – FantasySP.
(7) Getty Images.

in no way is this post factual and is entertainment and strictly opinion based.