The Los Angeles Angels enter a crucial offseason that will revolve around two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani following another poor season.

Next month, Ohtani will become the most sought-after free agent in MLB history, but he hasn’t disclosed his plans. Although Mike Trout recently stated he will make an effort to persuade him to stay with the Angels, he hasn’t received any cues from his teammate either.

Ohtani was expected to sign a deal worth more than $500 million in total value before suffering an elbow injury. Many teams in the league will still be interested in him even if he doesn’t make it to that mark.

Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors claims that the Angels are still hoping to re-sign Ohtani.

Not surprisingly, the Angels insist that they intend to re-sign Ohtani. The likely AL MVP hasn’t revealed his thoughts for free agents. Without a doubt, the Halos will participate in the auction.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian said the team will extend Ohtani’s qualifying offer when free agency officially opens following the World Series.

The 29-year-old will most likely turn it down, but signing him here is a no-brainer because the Angels will get compensation in the draft should he choose to sign elsewhere.

The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres are expected to be the Angels’ main rivals for Ohtani, since the expected 2023 American League MVP Award winner wants to stay in Southern California.

But there are also other teams who are reportedly getting ready to make a push at Ohtani, including the Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Shohei Ohtani of the Angels lead MLB in 2023 jersey sales.
Given his popularity, it should come as no surprise that Ohtani led MLB in jersey sales this season, outpacing players like Trout, Matt Olson, Julio Rodríguez, Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr., Aaron Judge, and Fernando Tatis Jr.