What's Next for WBC MVP Shohei Ohtani?

Japanese star Shohei Ohtani finished the World Baseball Classic with a championship and MVP award.

Shohei Ohtani is probably still coming down from Japan’s World Baseball Classic championship. The WBC MVP made his case – again – for being the best player in baseball with his hitting and pitching brilliance over the course of the two-week international tournament.

But another reality hit Ohtani in the aftermath of Japan’s celebration. It’s time to return to the Los Angeles Angels.

New season, new goals.

“Well, of course the new season will begin, so that will be the first one,” Ohtani said Tuesday night after Japan’s 3-2 victory over Team USA. “Of course, I’m going to have to start winning and that will be the next step. Of course, next [WBC] experience, I think it’s the next three years later, so of course I’m going to have to keep the same level and hopefully I’ll be a better player. I’ll do my best.”

The Angels, Texas Rangers and the rest of the American League West are chasing the World Series champion Houston Astros. Ohtani, who’s set to be a free agent this season, referred to the Angels’ lack of success during his years in Anaheim.

The Angels have yet to make the playoffs during Ohtani’s five years in the majors, and the franchise has suffered seven consecutive losing seasons despite the presence of Mike Trout.

Winning is going to play a big part in Ohtani’s free agency and what’s certain to be a record-breaking contract. He’s already tasted a title with Japan and is obviously thirsty for one in the big leagues.

“In my baseball life, one of the things that I want to achieve and, of course, [Tuesday] I was able to achieve one of the goals,” Ohtani said.

There are more to come.

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