Shohei Ohtani Gives Murky Answer About Future With Angels; Should Red Sox Consider Move?

The Red Sox should be keeping their eyes on the Angels

The biggest question swirling around the baseball world certainly is the future of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. 

The Los Angeles Angels star has taken the baseball world by storm and quickly has developed into not only one of the league's best sluggers but also one of Major League Baseball's most dominant pitchers. 

Ohtani will make a whopping $30 million with the Angels in 2023 but will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and rumors already are swirling about where he will play next if he leaves. The 28-year-old recently was asked about his future and Angels fans may not love his answer, according to Sports Illustrated senior writer Stephanie Apstein. 

Ohtani is basically declining to answer questions about whether he is open to remaining with the Angels after this season. “As of now I’m an Angel and that’s all I want to focus on.” pic.twitter.com/kSv9ZORgmL

— Stephanie Apstein (@stephapstein) February 16, 2023

“As of now I’m an Angel and that’s all I want to focus on," Ohtani said as transcribed by Apstein. 

Ohtani's answer certainly is not a ringing endorsement of the Angels. His comments aren't a knock on the team either but don't insinuate he will be re-signing. At the end of the day, he easily could be playing for the Angels in 2024, but until he specifically says so or signs a deal, there are going to be rumors. 

The two-way star very likely will command the largest free agent deal in MLB history when he becomes a free agent and some have even surmised that the total value of the contract with surpass $500 million. Los Angels retained fellow star Mike Trout with the current largest deal in MLB history and he said himself he was going to try to convince Ohtani to stay, but there's going to be a wide range of clubs vying for his services. 

In recent years the Red Sox have avoided spending big -- aside from inking Rafael Devers to an extension -- but maybe Ohtani could be worth breaking out of the checkbook. A contract with a total value of around $500 million certainly is a lot to ask, but he has shown he can be a team's best hitter and pitcher when fully healthy. The fact that at least for the next few years he likely would provide a club with an ace, as well as a slugger, makes the cost worth it. 

One thing about Ohtani is because he is such a trailblazer, nothing like what is likely going to happen in his free agency has ever happened. No team has ever had to judge the value of a player who is a two-way player. How long can Ohtani maintain this level of play at both positions? Will he eventually have to choose one? Will he wear down from playing both spots? 

There aren't any players to compare Ohtani to because he is the only one. While a $500 million valuation has been speculated, there's always a chance that the true number is less. He is 28 years old and will turn 29 turning the 2023 campaign. A 10-year deal would take Ohtani into his age-39 season. With so many question marks, maybe a deal in the range of 10-year, $430-$450 million range may make sense. 

At the end of the day, the market will work itself out and someone like the New York Mets is going to spend heavily for Ohtani's services. If the Red Sox were to pursue him, it would make a lot of sense. Justin Turner is the team's current designated hitter and he is 38 years old. The Boston pitching staff has a lot of question marks with many returning from injuries -- including Chris Sale -- so a top-of-the-rotation guy like Ohtani would certainly be welcomed. 

Boston may have finished in last place in the American League East in 2022, but there are plenty of things about the club to have high hopes about. The farm system is greatly improved and some of the top prospects should be making their way to the big league club either in 2023 or 2024. Adding Ohtani into the mix may be the perfect piece along with the upcoming youngsters to help push the team toward contention for years to come.

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