Angels in ‘Listening Mode’ on Shohei Ohtani Trade, per Report

MLB Network's Jon Morosi outlined what it would take to start a conversation around the 2021 AL MVP.

The clock seems to be ticking on designated hitter/pitcher Shohei Ohtani's time with the Angels.

After six individually transcendent — yet conspicuously postseason-free — years in Orange County, the 2021 American League MVP will have a decision to make after this season. His contract is up, and many believe he will receive the largest contract in baseball history.

Before that, however, Los Angeles has to decide whether to move him at the deadline. With the Angels 45–47 and six games back of the second AL wild-card spot, reporters are suggesting such a deal might be a possibility.

"Based on my conversation with sources, a trade is still perhaps unlikely but possible," MLB Network's Jon Morosi said Saturday afternoon. "What has changed, I believe, in recent days is the Angels have discussed internally as an organization and realized that with where they're at in the standings... they have no choice but to listen to the inquiries that are coming in."

Los Angeles has not made the playoffs since 2014, future Hall of Fame center fielder Mike Trout's third year in the majors. Its playoff drought is tied with the Tigers for the longest in baseball and the third-longest in the Big Four North American sports leagues.

"There are so many different things for them to consider here," Morosi said, noting that the Angels would weigh Ohtani's unique greatness versus the quality of any potential return.

Morosi did, however, float a potential means of beginning discussions for interested squads.

"If (the Angels) get multiple players offered among the top 100 prospects in the game, they have to at least start thinking about it. That's where they're at right now," Morosi said.