SEATTLE — Shohei Ohtani, the Angels’ two-way star and the 93rd Most Popular Player of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, sat on a platform along the caution track at T-Mobile Park late Monday morning. The rest of the MLS stars were spread out on tables on either side of it. A swarm of messengers surrounded Otani for 30 minutes. It was hard to hear what Otani said. But he delivered one familiar message: He was tired of losing.
“These feelings are getting stronger year by year,” Ohtani said through his translator Ippei Mizuhara. “It’s bad to lose. [I want] to win.”
Otani refused to indulge in speculation about the next trade deadline or the free agency he was approaching. The Angels (45-46) aren’t eager to make offers for Otani, even though an extended losing streak could change the team’s calculus. The club has lost nine of its last ten games in the first half, plagued by injuries while falling to fourth in the MLS West and five games in the race for a second wild card.
Responsibility for the team’s problems does not rest with Ohtani. He set personal bests in the first inning as a batter, leading the American League in home runs (32) and OPS (1,050). On the mound his performance decreased, very slightly, but he still posted a 3.32 ERA with 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Appears on track to be named MVP of the second American League in three seasons. Historic payday awaits you.
As a free agent this winter, Ohtani is expected to sign the most lucrative contract in baseball history. The contract is expected to be more than $500 million, if not larger, according to two rival executives who asked not to be identified in order to speak freely about the situation. Otani declined to give his opinion on his preferred destination, whether it be a long-term agreement with the Angels or a dalliance with any of the other prospective suitors, such as the Dodgers or the Mets.
“I’ve never been a free agent, so I’m not sure how that happened,” Ohtani said. “I’m focused on this season now. I just want to do my best this year and try to get as many wins as possible.”
In the days leading up to the break, the Angels collapsed. Mike Trott suffered a broken femur, had surgery and began a rehabilitation process that could last eight weeks. Anthony Rendon has not played since fouling a ball off his leg on 4 July. Owner Arte Moreno committed not to trade Ohtani as long as the club remained in contention. Defining the dispute will be a task for Moreno’s front office as the August 1 deadline approaches.
Otani declined to offer insight into his opinion on a potential deal. Mizuhara explained that Ohtani “has no control over that, so he just tries not to think about it, and focus on the game that day.” Otani isn’t exactly known for general expansion. He limits his briefings with reporters to group sessions after he starts. He made an exception for such a gem event as the All-Star Game.
“This is my third all-star game,” Otani said. “Every time I come over, I mostly think about next year’s All-Star Game.”
If Ohtani stays healthy, he will almost certainly appear at the Midsummer Classic next year. The biggest question is which team will be represented. And where can he play before this winter, if the Angels continue to stumble.
“I treat each season as a special season,” Otani said. “This rule does not contain any decisions. Regardless of whether you are a free agent next year or not, just try to treat him the same way you treat me every two years.”
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(Photo: John Lipa/USA Today)