Los Angeles Angels business superstar Shohei Ohtani’s potential is at an all-time high, as the team is seven games out of the AL West lead and just lost Mike Trout for the foreseeable future.
Alex Rodriguez said Monday on FS1 that the Angels could be better off for their future if they trade Ohtani before the deadline and eventually Trout.
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Shohei Ohtani, #17 of the Los Angeles Angels, looks on during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park on July 10, 2023 in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
«I think this needs a serious, serious situation and a bold move,» the FOX Sports analyst said. «I think the Angels win a world championship in five years if they do this, first, you trade Ohtani, then you trade Trout. And you try to get five or six players, fill yourself up with first-round guys and the next thing I have to to do is bring in a guy like Theo Epstein, give him ownership and let him run the shop.»
The only flaw in A-Rod’s plan is that the teams can’t trade first-round picks.
Ohtani is set to become a free agent, and Los Angeles team owner Artie Moreno has been adamant about keeping the two-way player through the season. However, anything could happen between now and the change deadline.
Former Major League Baseball players David Ortiz, right, and Alex Rodriguez are seen during a Fox footage before the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at T-Mobile Park on Monday, July 10, 2023, in Seattle. (Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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Ohtani spoke to reporters Monday, more than a day before the MLB All-Star Game in Seattle. He said that he wants to win and that «it sucks to lose.»
Regardless, he’s trying to focus on the season at hand.
«I’ve never been a free agent before so I’m not sure what that will be like,» he added, via The Athletic. «I’m focused on this season right now. I just want to do my best this year and try to get as many wins as possible.»
The clock is ticking. If the Angels’ season winds down, the team may not want to lose him without getting something in return before free agency.
Mike Trout, #27 of the Los Angeles Angels, at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 29, 2023 in Anaheim, California. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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As far as Trout is concerned, a team would have to accept a hefty contract. He will earn $35.4 million per year through the 2030 season.