The decision to not rehire manager Phil Nevin and Shohei Ohtani’s upcoming free agency were among the many subjects covered by Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian during his meeting with reporters on Tuesday.

Although it is generally anticipated that Ohtani will go this winter in search of more lucrative and competitive opportunities, Minasian disclosed that the two had a private discussion on Sunday. Specifically, what did Minasian learn from the conversation? Apparently how much Ohtani relished the opportunity to play alongside his Angels teammates.

According to Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register, Minasian stated, “I think this is a place that he’s enjoyed playing and this is a place that he loves, and it’s got a group of players, teammates that he enjoyed his time with.” “You get the impression that he truly values and respects this place.” And all we can do is wait and watch what transpires throughout the offseason.”

That may not seem like much—in fact, it would be more noteworthy if the amiable Ohtani didn’t like his teammates—but if you’re an Angels supporter searching for any hint that Ohtani is around, it might be significant.

However, Minasian also acknowledged that Ohtani was “disappointed” in the Angels’ inability to succeed under his leadership, much alone make the playoffs.

Ohtani was recently ranked as the top prospective free agent in this winter’s class by CBS Sports. Ohtani will not pitch next season due to an elbow surgery that repaired the damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm. It’s what we wrote here:

Greetings from the league’s most anticipated free agency in history. Ohtani had surgery on his elbow to repair a damaged ulnar collateral ligament, so he won’t be able to pitch the next season. However, come Opening Day, he should be in the lineup for someone. (He plans to make a comeback to the mound in 2025.) Meanwhile, Ohtani is expected to get a massive, pay-breaking salary. Why would he not? Since making his debut, he has moved the Overton Window on two-way players by himself and is now among the top 10 in both ERA+ and OPS+. It’s reasonable to ponder how his workload will develop over time—could he eventually move into a relief capacity? But when you’re fortunate enough to sign the kind of outlier that makes people think of Leon Day, Bullet Rogan, Martín Dihigo, and Babe Ruth, that’s the risk you happily accept. Kenneth Patchen famously said, “Destiny is the music of the improbable.” “Nearly anybody could exist if things were different.” This winter, make sure you find a way to appreciate Ohtani’s song despite the increasing volume around him.

Ohtani finished the season with a 142 ERA+ in relief and an 184 OPS+ in the batting pen. Baseball Reference calculated that his total contributions were worth an estimated 10.1 Wins Above Replacement.

Five days following the World Series’ end, free agency will formally open.