Angels GM Perry Minasian Declines to Answer Questions About Halos Not Matching Offer to Shohei Ohtani

The Angels missed their chance to retain Ohtani it seems.

Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers' formal introductory press conference for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, reports came out about the Angels having a chance to possibly retain him. Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, said that they went back to the Halos to give them an opportunity to make their case. 

However, it didn't work out, and Ohtani ultimately decided to go with the Dodgers. It was then reported that owner Arte Moreno declined to match the record-setting contract that the Dodgers gave Ohtani.

Angels general manager Perry Minasian declined to answer any questions that surrounded the report that Moreno declined to offer the same contract that Ohtani signed with the Dodgers.

“I don’t discuss negotiations," Minasian said to reporters on Friday. "I’ve said that since Day 1, when I arrived."

The Angels won't disclose the discussions, but it seems clear that they didn't value Ohtani in the same manner. However, this isn't going to sit well with the fanbase.

He meant the world to the Halos, but in the end, Moreno fumbled his chance to potentially bring Ohtani back. It does remain unknown if Ohtani would have re-signed with the Angels, even if the money was the same.

The Angels didn't make the playoffs once during Ohtani's tenure there, and he has long expressed his desire to win. But this report will make Moreno even more unpopular among the fans.

Angels GM Perry Minasian declined to discuss the team declining to match the Dodgers' offer.

“I don’t discuss negotiations. I’ve said that since Day 1, when I arrived."

When pressed on fan interest in this, Minasian said he understood the magnitude, but didn't comment.

— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) December 15, 2023

This is an awful look for the Angels organization, and Ohtani deserved better. He gave his everything to this team, but it's probably better for both sides that they split.

The Angels don't have to commit a large sum of money to one player, and Ohtani can play on a winning team.