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The Los Angeles Angels have a decision to make regarding the future of one of their star players. Shohei Ohtani is set to become a free agent in 2023, and many believe his next deal could be valued at more than $500 million.
It’s unclear whether or not the Angels would want to pony up that sort of money for the two-way player, but teammate Mike Trout is hoping they do.
He was heard talking about Ohtani during the Spring Training media session on Wednesday. Here’s what he had to say about his desire to keep Shohei on the West Coast.
“At the end of the day, he’s got to do what’s best for him… It’s a big decision for him, maybe the biggest of his life… I’m gonna do whatever I can to keep him here.”
Mike Trout is hopeful that his partner in crime will stay in LA, and for Angels fans, they can look no further than their star outfielder for hope that a deal gets done.
Alden Gonzales of ESPN talked about Los Angeles’s mindset in potential negotiations with Ohtani. While franchises with deep pockets will come calling, Gonzales believes the Angels will put up a fight for their superstar rather than cede to the highest bidder.
“It’s pretty clear, that given all the chances when people thought the Angels were going to trade Shohei Ohtani and they didn’t, that they’re going to do whatever it takes to try and bring him back and re-sign him. If you talk to people throughout the industry, everybody seems to think he’s going to sign with either the Dodgers or the Mets.
“The Angels believe they have a chance… They don’t need to look any further for their optimism than Mike Trout. It wasn’t long ago that people were asking similar questions about Mike Trout… He ended up signing two extensions with them because he was comfortable here.”
Trout and Ohtani combined to hit 74 homers and drive in 175 runs last season. Unfortunately, the team’s struggles continued as LA posted its eighth straight losing season.
Ohtani is set to become a free agent after the 2023 campaign. Los Angeles will soon have a decision to make.