New Angels manager had interesting quote on Shohei Ohtani

Aug 8, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) watches from the dugout in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Shohei Ohtani is said to be nearing his free agent decision, and it sounds like the new manager of the Los Angeles Angels may have some inside information about the situation.

Ron Washington was asked on Monday if he has been following the Ohtani sweepstakes in recent weeks. The 71-year-old said he is hesitant to say too much because he doesn’t want to “let anything out of the bag.”

Los Angels manager Ron Washington, when asked if he has been following Shohei Ohtani’s free agency:
‘I don't have much to say about that yet, because I don't want to let anything out the bag.”

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 4, 2023

That may have just been Washington’s way of avoiding the topic. However, he seemed to indicate that he knows something about the situation that he does not want to share with the public. It is possible that means the Angels are either closing in on a deal with Ohtani or they are out of the bidding. Or, it could mean nothing at all.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been viewed as the favorite to land Ohtani for quite some time. The Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays are also said to be in the mix, along with the Angels.

According to a recent report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the bidding for Ohtani has already reached a massive number. With MLB’s Winter Meetings taking place this week, it is possible Ohtani is on the verge of signing with a team.