Angels News: Shohei Ohtani’s Agent Talks Relationship With Halos

Ohtani will be a free agent at the end of the season.

As the Angels' chances of making the playoffs get closer and closer to my chances of becoming the next elite two-way player myself, fans are turning their focus to one of the biggest non-stadium-related questions owner Arte Moreno will be asking when free agency begins: What will Shohei Ohtani do?

Ohtani has once again proven that he can be elite at both hitting and pitching this season, hitting 44 home runs and holding a 3.14 ERA through 23 starts.

However, after suffering a tear in the UCL of his throwing elbow, Ohtani's future as a pitcher is clouded with concerns about his ability to make 25+ starts a season. 

Regardless, Ohtani, who will become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2023 season, will likely sign a contract in the realm of $500 million or more. The 29-year-old has also repeatedly expressed that his top priority is winning, which means sticking around in Anaheim might not be preferable. 

There have also been concerns voiced by those outside the situation about the Angels' failure to diagnose Ohtani's shoulder injury earlier than they did. Subsequently, Angels general manager Perry Minasian revealed that Ohtani was offered to have imaging done, but declined.

Ohtani's agent Nez Balelo said that they did not mind that Minasian made this information public, and that the relationship between Ohtani's side and the Angels remains the same, according to reporting from Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times.

While it can be assumed that Ohtani is not already locked in on re-signing with the Angels, Balelo seemingly confirmed that the decision has not been made.

“Shohei is going to be somebody’s lineup next year, DHing when the bell rings,” Balelo said.

“Shohei is going to be somebody’s lineup next year, DHing when the bell rings,” Balelo said.

— Sarah Valenzuela (@Sarah_IsabelVee) September 4, 2023