Shohei Ohtani Rumors: MLB Insider Doesn't Expect Angels to Be in the Mix in Free Agency

The Angels are in for quite an interesting offseason.

One of the biggest stories to watch over the next few months will be the impending free agency of Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. Even with his recently suffered torn UCL, Ohtani is likely to command one of the largest contracts in baseball history. He could still get the biggest ever, as it only takes one team to offer it to him.

But this new injury does throw a wrench into some things, as there are those in the industry who believe it actually helps the Halos retain him. But Ohtani has long expressed a desire to win games at a high level, something that the Angels haven’t done at all since he has been there.

Now as we get closer to the offseason, predictions are starting to come out. MLB insider Jon Heyman listed several teams that he believes will be in on the Ohtani sweepstakes this winter, and interestingly enough, the Angels were left out entirely.

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— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 3, 2023

Does he know something? Or is he merely just projecting based on the thought around baseball for the last year?

Owner Arte Moreno hopes to retain Ohtani, but it could prove tougher than he thinks. While Ohtani does like the comfort of playing for the Angels, his legacy is at stake. He is the best player in the game today and possibly ever. It's a shame that he hasn't had the chance to perform on the biggest stage in his career or let alone even a postseason game. 

Either way, it’s interesting that the Halos were left off the list. Ohtani could decide to stay with the only team that he has known since joining the big leagues, but does he really want to continue wasting his prime with an organization that hasn’t reached the postseason since 2014? That is the ultimate question.

Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres all loom large as possible destinations for Ohtani. Each could give him something that the Angels haven’t been able to, plus the heavy contract that he will be looking for.

The situation isn't ideal for the Halos. This certainly will be something to keep an eye on as we head into the winter. But the reality remains that the Angels have a very compelling offseason ahead.