Shohei Ohtani Rumors: Angels Not Among Potential Landing Spots for Two-Way Superstar, Says Insider

It could be a long winter for Angels fans.

It's no secret that there is a good chance Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will leave the organization this winter when he becomes a free agent. In fact, it has been one of the worst-kept secrets across baseball for quite some time now.

There was some hope that a last-ditch effort to get to the postseason this year could save face with Ohtani, but the Angels once again find themselves outside the playoff picture. The team hasn't come anywhere near the playoffs since Ohtani joined them years ago, and it's about time that he goes somewhere to win.

Many have started to speculate where the superstar could go this offseason, with some of the bigger market teams coming in as the favorites. Recently, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal provided an update on what he believes could happen this winter with the game's biggest star.

“We don’t know the surgery he had because his agent won’t reveal it. This is a big secret, whatever. Where do we think Ohtani will go? The Dodgers have been the favorite for a long time, or at least a team we thought would definitely be in the mix. I do not rule out the Mets. I cannot see Steve Cohen simply passing on Shohei Ohtani. And I would also include the Giants, the Rangers, yes the Rangers. And the Mariners as at least possibilities. I still think it comes down to LA vs. New York. Dodgers vs. the Mets. The Yankees? I don’t see them doing this.”

Per Ken Rosenthal on Foul Territory 

Interestingly enough, the Angels weren't listed among any of the potential suitors for Ohtani. This is likely due to the fact that almost everyone believes he is done with the Halos organization. If that is the case, the signs have been there for a bit now.

Losing Ohtani for nothing more than a compensation pick will hurt the Angels, assuming it does happen. But this is the mess that they made, and they will have to live with whatever happens this offseason.

The Angels personnel group may look very different next season, and that could be a good thing. This franchise needs to start getting itself back on track, and this winter could be the fresh start that it needs.