Getty Image / Steph Chambers
With the Home Run Derby in conclusion, the MLB All-Star game is set to begin at 8 P.M. Eastern on Tuesday.
The best players in baseball are all in attendance and it’s been a fun break for the league so far.
However, everyone has their eyes set on Shohei Ohtani, as the best player in the world might be available via trade.
Meanwhile, if the Los Angeles Angels choose not to trade him, then we could witness one of the craziest bidding wars in MLB free agency.
So, Ohtani’s future is up in the air and everybody wants to know what he has to say.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, reporters were basically shoving and pushing their way to ask Shohei Ohtani about the recent trade rumors and free agency.
But the Angels star was rather tight lipped about the whole thing. Rather than provide any information, Ohtani simply claimed he’s focused on winning games this season.
“It’s something I have no control over. I try not to think about it. I just try to focus on this season, and not think about all of the trade stuff. I’m not sure how that’s going to be. I’m focused on this season right now. I just want do my best this year and try to get as many wins as possible.”
It makes sense why Shohei Ohtani doesn’t want to talk about the trade rumors or free agency. He’s under contract with the Angels and if they choose to trade him, that’s their choice.
Regardless, Ohtani did claim he doesn’t care where he plays baseball. I mean, the guy just loves to play. So, if he ended up being traded to a small-market team, it wouldn’t bother Ohtani one bit, per USA Today.
As of right now, he just loves playing for the Angels fans.
“It really doesn’t matter to me if it’s a big or smaller market. The Angels’ fans come watch the Angels because they love the team. I want to perform the best for them.”
Lastly, Nightengale reports that Shohei Ohtani wants everyone to know that if you hear rumors of him being interested in playing for another team, don’t trust them.
“All of those reports are lies. They make stuff up. I don’t think you should believe everything you [hear].”
With that said, Shohei Ohtani is clearly staying out of the trade rumors, as he doesn’t want to add onto the growing speculation.
Although that’s the case, the MLB rumor mill is going to be buzzing throughout the month of July. With the trade deadline on August 1, everybody is going to be on the edge of their seats waiting to see what the Angels do.