Angels News: Shohei Ohtani Trade from LA Confirmed if This Happens

Angels' record will determine the status of Ohtani in a Halos uniform

The Los Angeles Angels are off to a .500 start through 18 games, and Shohei Ohtani has looked like the early season MVP and Cy Young winner so far. He's dominating in all facets on the field; however, the Halos have yet to look as sharp throughout the season. 

If that continues, the Angels could miss the playoffs, leading to losing Ohtani altogether, at least according to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan. Passan appeared on ESPN's 'Get Up' and said the Halos' win-loss record could decide whether he stays an Angel or not. 

"There's one number that we need to be looking at when it comes to Shohei Ohtani's future, and that is the Los Angeles Angels' record, because as long as the Angels are in contention, as long as the Angels have hope for a playoff spot, Shohei Ohtani's probably not going to be traded at the deadline this year. But if the Angels fall out of contention, and if it's just more of the same as it's been over the last five years that he's been there, he could be traded, and he will definitely leave."

"If the Angels fall out of contention ... [Shohei Ohtani] could be traded and he will definitely leave."

—@JeffPassan pic.twitter.com/evk3nuye1o

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 20, 2023

We're not even a quarter into the season and a rumor like this is already circulating. It's tough for Angel fans to hear, but at the same time it's true. We all know the desires Ohtani has to play in the postseason, and compete for a title, and thus far the Angels have not provided him with that. 

A talent like the 28-year-old superstars deserves to be viewed on the sports biggest stage, and the Halos would love to be the team he does it with. He will be a free agent this winter; things could turn upside down for the Halos if he leaves for a championship contender. Nonetheless, we're still early in the season, and it will be up to the entire team and organization to retain Ohtani beyond this season. 

It's in their hands, we'll see how this season plays out.