Report: 2 NL teams named potential suitors for Shohei Ohtani in 2024
Jul 19, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; American League pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) of the Los Angeles Angels smiles at fans before the 2022 MLB All Star Game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Angels did not end up trading Shohei Ohtani this season, but they may lose the star to one of a few nearby teams if he hits free agency in 2024.
The Athletic’s Jayson Stark spoke to some front office executives around MLB about what teams could vie for Ohtani if the reigning American League MVP makes it to free agency.
One of the executives told Stark that he believes Ohtani will opt to stay on the West Coast, and listed both the San Fransisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers as possible landing spots for the 28-year-old.
“My first instinct is to say Dodgers or Giants,” the unnamed executive told Stark. “But I actually don’t think he would go to the Dodgers just because it would look like he’s sticking it to the Angels. I could see him going to Seattle. But West Coast. That’s my guess.”
The Angels had been listening to offers on Ohtani prior to the August 2 trade deadline, but owner Arte Moreno was unwilling to give the go-ahead on a trade for one reason.
With the Angels at 44-61 entering Friday and an extreme long-shot to make the postseason, Ohtani figures to be one of the top draws for the fanbase the rest of the season. He is once again in contention for the A.L. MVP, hitting .258 with 24 home runs and 64 RBI. On the mound, Ohtani has a 2.83 ERA in 105 innings with 152 strikeouts and 24 walks.
