Despite the Los Angeles Angels’ current playoff drive, all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani and whether he will become a free agency as anticipated with just over five months until the MLB offseason begins

In the last year of his deal, the versatile player has largely sidestepped inquiries regarding his future. All in the league, though, agree that Ohtani will try his luck on the open market and lead to one of the most eagerly awaited bidding wars in sports history.

The Los Angeles Dodgers were reportedly the early favorites to sign Ohtani, according to a report at the end of March. The team’s lack of movement during the offseason suggested they were getting ready to make a run at him should he actually become a free agent. There are rumors that the San Diego Padres are also interested, although it’s unclear how much money they have on hand.

Because Ohtani wants to stay in Southern California, Bob Nightengale of USA Today says the Dodgers and San Diego Padres have the best chance of signing him:

Although there is still a lot of conjecture over his potential free agent destination, the Dodgers and Padres are unquestionably the other favorites. He adores California’s South Coast.

Ohtani’s primary objective is reportedly to win a World Series in addition to his preference for a certain location. Given that the Dodgers won a championship in 2020 and have made it to the postseason ten times in a row, that might give them an advantage.

Nevertheless, San Diego has improved significantly in recent years and defeated Los Angeles in the 2022 National League Division Series. The Padres are having a poor season, but the franchise has also demonstrated a willingness to spend any sum of money to acquire the player it wants.

Ohtani is having a great season right now, and his worth seems to be rising daily. Executives and teams alike believe that the 28-year-old could demand a contract that is higher than $500 million in order to become a free agent.

Additionally, it’s still possible. Ohtani is back with the Angels, but with so many other expensive players on the team, they may find it challenging to establish themselves as legitimate competitors and to keep developing around him.

Will Shohei Ohtani be traded by the Angels?

If the Angels decide not to move Ohtani, they will undoubtedly want to re-sign him, but there’s a feeling that Arte Moreno’s ownership may make that less likely.