Shohei Ohtani Makes Bold Move: Angels Star Officially Declines Qualifying Offer

The Los Angeles Angels are still waiting for two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani to decide what he will do this winter as the offseason continues. After several years of club mediocrity, he is projected to leave the organization, and Ohtani is set to sign the richest contract in MLB history.

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By officially rejecting the Angels’ qualifying offer, the free agent took the first step toward a new contract this offseason. If he signs elsewhere, the Halos will receive draft compensation for his departure.

Ohtani’s first aim this offseason is to join a team that can offer him a regular winner while also giving him a chance to win the World Series every season. During his time with the Angels, they had never made the playoffs, and he became increasingly unhappy this season.

Teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers all provide Ohtani with a chance to win while still being able to pay him what he is worth monetarily. The Crosstown Dodgers remain the favorite to sign the two-way phenom, but Ohtani will shop around for the best offer.

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It’s unfortunate that the sport’s biggest star has yet to play in the playoffs, but if he signs with any of these teams, that could change next season. He won’t be able to hit until 2024, as he recovers from an undisclosed treatment to repair a ruptured UCL.

Ohtani aims to return to the mound by 2025 and recover the two-way skills that propelled him to stardom. It’s unclear where he’ll play next season, but it’s unlikely to be with the Los Angeles Angels.