Getty Image / Ronald Martinez
The MLB All-Star break is finally here as the game between the AL and NL All-Stars takes place on Tuesday, July 11.
Even so, it appears Shohei Ohtani may just be the talk of the town throughout the week, as trade speculation continues to grow.
Rumors are at an all-time high. Especially now after Jon Heyman of The New York Post reports the Los Angeles Angels “are starting to move away from their no-sell stance.”
Nothing is set in stone just yet. I mean, Shohei Ohtani is the best player in the world right now. So, the Angels would need to receive a massive haul to dish him away.
Regardless, LA is “telling folks they will evaluate the situation over the next ‘two to three weeks,’ meaning a trade of Ohtani could at least become a consideration,” per Heyman.
All of these rumors are stemming off of the current situation in Los Angeles. The Angels are currently 1-9 in their last 10 games and have fallen under .500 right before the All-Star break.
Additionally, Jon Heyman points out the recent injury woes LA is facing at this point in the season.
The team’s history over the last six years is nothing to gloat about either. In fact, history says the Angels are going to fall apart in the back half of the season and we may be seeing those signs early.
If that’s the case, conducting a Shohei Ohtani trade might just be the best option for this franchise. Los Angeles could really use a boost in its farm system and an Ohtani deal would likely fix that issue.
On the other hand, how in the world do you trade the best player in the league while he’s in his prime? Losing that star power is a tough pill to swallow and it’s possible the Angels choose to ride out the season with Ohtani on the roster.
We’ll see how it plays out, but Shohei Ohtani is a name to pay attention to with the trade deadline on August 1.