MLB trade rumors: Angels are "in listening mode" on Shohei Ohtani
Nothing could shake up the MLB trade deadline more than the Los Angeles Angels trading two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. And, according to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, the Angels have taken a significant step toward parting with the best player in the league. In an appearance on MLB Network, Morosi revealed "the Angels are now in listening mode with Shohei Ohtani trade inquiries." With the SF Giants considered an early favorite to land Ohtani this offseason, they are immediately one of the top potential landing spots for the native of Oshu, Iwate, Japan.
SF Giants SP Alex Cobb talks to Angels DH Shohei Ohtani during a game. (2022)
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
"Based on my conversations with sources, a trade is still perhaps still unlikely but possible," Morosi said. "What has changed I believe in recent days is the Angels have discussed internally as an organization and realized that with where they're at in the standings.. they have no choice but to listen to the inquiries that are coming in... If they get multiple players offered among the top 100 prospects in the game, they have to at least start thinking about it, and that's where they're at right now. Thinking, considering, of course watching the standings, but what I can say right now is a trade of Shohei Ohtani is possible between now and August 1st."
The 2021 American League MVP, Ohtani, has hit .303/.387/.659 with 15 doubles, six triples, and a league-leading 32 home runs at the plate. On the mound, he has a 3.50 ERA with 139 strikeouts and 46 walks in 105.1 innings pitched (18 starts). The Giants' two most obvious needs at the deadline are a frontline starting pitcher and a middle-of-the-order bat, two things Ohtani would immediately address. Of course, he could also be a potential target of San Francisco's biggest rival, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"Interestingly, and I'll mention this team right now, we'll talk about them a lot over the course of the next 18 days before August 1st, not that we're counting, but the Los Angeles Dodgers," Morosi said. "The Dodgers have nine players, nine, among the top 100, according to MLBPipeline.com. That's the most of any team. And we know that according to many projections, the widely expected team that's the favorite to sign Ohtani this winter is the Los Angeles Dodgers. So would they pay a premium right now to be able to get him for the balance of this season and then try to sign him long-term?"
All-Star Giants starting pitcher Alex Cobb was teammates with Ohtani during the 2021 season and told a pair of Giants beat writers during the All-Star break that Ohtani was going to land in San Francisco. Hopefully for SF Giants fans, Cobb truly saw the future.
