The Los Angeles Angels will soon focus on the most significant offseason in team history as they play out the last week of the regular season. With his contract expiring, Shohei Ohtani will be a free agent. The two-way standout has not disclosed his potential plans.

Before suffering a UCL injury that prevented him from pitching for another month, Ohtani was having an incredible season. As the Angels’ designated hitter through September 3, the generational talent continued to play until an oblique injury kept him out of the game for the remainder of the season.

Ohtani is the overwhelming frontrunner to be named the American League MVP in spite of his ailments. Despite the fact that he will probably need elbow surgery to resume pitching next season, the 29-year-old will not be short on suitors in free agency.

As to Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group, Mike Trout acknowledged that he has not received word from Ohtani on his decision to stay with the Angels or pursue his career in another place.

“I get asked this question all the time: ‘Where is Shohei going?'” stated Trout. I’m not able to inform you. That’s on him. Need to ask him. It’s ultimately up to him to decide. He has not communicated with me. He plays it cool. only completes his own tasks. Just give him his privacy as a comrade. It’s his choice. What’s proper for him is what he will do. We’ll watch how that develops.

Ohtani’s ultimate choice will have a big impact on the Angels’ future and how they play. If Ohtani stays, Los Angeles can keep attempting to assemble a winning team around him by making trades and signing free agents.

If Ohtani decides to depart, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Angels embark on a major reconstruction. It might entail looking into a trade for Mike Trout, who has already stated that he wants to speak with the front staff before even broaching the subject.

Mike Trout of the Angels postponed his comeback to “clear my mind” and check on his health.
With Trout’s recent move to the 60-day disabled list, the Angels have effectively ended his 2023 campaign. Now, the 11-time All-Star’s goal is to maintain his health during the offseason in order to return even better the next season.