Several teams were all-in toward their pursuit of Shohei Ohtani this offseason. The Los Angeles Angels were apparently not one of them.
Angels team owner Arte Moreno refused to match the $700 million price tag attached to the Japanese superstar, according to a report from LA Times reporter Jack Harris.
Ohtani’s agent Nez Balelo of CAA Sports told Harris that the Angels were given “every opportunity” to try to keep the 2-time AL MVP. Shohei’s camp even approached the Angels towards the end of his free agency tour to try to give the Anaheim-based squad another chance.
“Just know that we had really healthy discussions,” said Balelo. “The Angels had every opportunity.”
Ohtani reportedly made sure that his agent “kept in touch” with the Angels throughout the entire free agency process. The report added that Ohtani’s camp was always going to give his first team the courtesy of a final pitch before coming to a decision.
While the Angels’ final offer to Ohtani remains unclear, Moreno was said to be considered “the hold-up” that wasn’t agreeable to Ohtani’s requests.
Ohtani has had nothing but positive things to say about his tumultuous tenure with the Angels. But despite producing all-world play for his former team, they seemed to have failed to reach his expectations once again.
The way Ohtani’s free agency played out appears to be a fitting end to his time in Anaheim.
Ohtani didn’t take long to endear himself to his new team just a few miles away. Shohei reportedly helped recruit one impact player to the Dodgers just days after the 3-time All-Star’s signing went public.
