Shohei Ohtani: The Angels Star’s Desire to Win Grows Stronger
Seattle – Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels, was the center of attention at the 93rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game. Sitting at a dais along the outfield warning track of T-Mobile Park, Ohtani expressed his frustration with losing and his desire to win. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Ohtani has been exceptional both as a hitter and a pitcher, making him a highly sought-after free agent this winter.
Ohtani’s frustration with losing has grown stronger over the years. He made it clear that he wants to win and that losing sucks. However, he declined to comment on the upcoming trade deadline or his impending free agency. The Angels are not currently interested in trading Ohtani, but their stance could change if the team continues to struggle. With injuries plaguing the team and a fourth-place standing in the American League West, the Angels are five games back in the race for the second wild card.
While the team’s troubles cannot be solely attributed to Ohtani, he has had an outstanding first half of the season as a hitter. Leading the American League in home runs (32) and OPS (1.050), Ohtani is on track to win his second American League MVP trophy in three seasons. His performance as a pitcher has slightly dipped, but he still boasts a 3.32 ERA with 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings. With such impressive stats, Ohtani is poised to sign the most lucrative contract in baseball history this winter, potentially surpassing $500 million.
As a free agent, Ohtani has remained tight-lipped about his preferred destination. While rival executives believe he could sign with the Angels or other suitors like the Dodgers or Mets, Ohtani has not given any hints. He emphasized that he is focused on the current season and wants to do his best to secure as many wins as possible.
The Angels’ recent collapse before the All-Star break has further complicated the situation. Star player Mike Trout suffered a fractured hamate bone and is expected to be out for eight weeks. Anthony Rendon has also been sidelined since July 4. Owner Arte Moreno has committed to not trading Ohtani as long as the team remains in contention. However, defining contention will be a challenge for the front office as the trade deadline approaches on August 1.
Ohtani refrained from commenting on potential trades, stating that he has no control over them and prefers to focus on the game at hand. Known for his reserved nature, Ohtani rarely engages in one-on-one interviews with reporters. However, he made an exception for the All-Star Game, acknowledging its significance.
Looking ahead, if Ohtani stays healthy, he will likely make an appearance at next year’s All-Star Game. The bigger question is which team he will represent. If the Angels continue to struggle, there is a possibility that Ohtani could be playing for a different team before this winter.
Regardless of his impending free agency, Ohtani treats every season as a special one and aims to approach it with the same level of dedication and focus. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ohtani and his performance, both as a hitter and a pitcher. With his exceptional skills and desire to win, Ohtani is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball.