Angels Rumors: Writer Thinks LA Should Trade Shohei Ohtani to NL East Contender

The Ohtani sweepstakes are just going to start heating up.

Would you look at that? The Los Angeles Angels took just their second loss of the season and the Shohei Ohtani rumors start spiraling out of control once again. 

All jokes aside, this season is known to be one of the most important in the Halos franchise's history. Their success and team record will solely determine whether or not Ohtani stays with LA long-term and they have to make the playoffs to even give themselves a running chance.

They've been a tricky team to analyze thus far. Up until Tuesday's tough loss against the Seattle Mariners, the Angels were pretty dominant at the plate and pitching mound. The likes of Logan O'Hoppe and Taylor Ward are emerging as key contributors early on and when the Halos had a dominate two-game stretch against the Athletics, they shined.

However, Bleacher Report's Brandon Scott isn't sold on what he's seen so far and he believes their superstar will be dealt away. His number one target is the infamous New York Mets.

Seconds later Shohei Ohtani joined Trout for BACK-TO-BACK blasts! 💥

First of the year for both! pic.twitter.com/GbzdgS34Ad

— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2023

"With Shohei Ohtani set to become a free agent after this season, he should be the most sought-after player in recent memory if the Angels are not competitive in mid-July. The Mets have already shown a commitment to go all-in financially. It's evidenced by their current,

league-leading payroll

, the failed Carlos Correa pursuit that would have made it even higher and the overall arms race in this division. It would be shocking if the Dodgers and Mets are not in a bidding war for Ohtani, both at the deadline or in free agency."

(Via Bleacher Report)

Ohtani is taking the pitching mound for the second time this season against the Mariners in a rematch. The last time he was starting pitcher on Opening Day, he struck out ten batters so he clearly has done his part.

We'll be keeping a close eye like always.