As the trade deadline inches closer and closer, the Shohei Ohtani rumors grow. Unfortunately, there won’t be any resolution until after the weekend series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Even with that being the case, the rumor and other teams’ intrigue continue. Here is the latest on the most interesting player right now, Ohtani.
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Latest Ohtani Rumors
The Angels Side
As dull as it sounds, this is the just nature of modern baseball. Almost half of the league makes the postseason. The number of teams who believe they still have a shot will be high. As it stands now, the trade market hasn’t moved a lot, and it might be a slow burn, or nothing of note happens. Even with Ohtani rumors running rampant, this includes the Angels and what they will do as the deadline approaches.
Sources: Orioles, DBacks among teams inquiring with the Angels about Shohei Ohtani’s trade availability.
Both clubs’ interest has been described as due diligence; both teams have the young talent base conducive to making a trade.@MLBNetwork @MLBPipeline
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2023
According to Jon Morosi, the Angels’ internal conversations about buying or selling remain fluid. Nothing will be set into motion until the weekend Blue Jays series concludes. That was to be expected. Even with a terrific run since the break ended, it will come down to the head-to-head match-up. To make things even more interesting, the Blue Jays play the Dodgers before facing the Angels.
Being in limbo isn’t ideal if you are the Angels. I’m sure the team would love to have a solid decision one way or the other. They are still in the thick of the wild card race in the AL. It should be noted that Angels owner Arte Moreno doesn’t want to trade Ohtani but might be forced to if things go south this week.
Two Surprise Team Are Checking In
In the same tweet, Morosi said the Diamondbacks and Orioles have checked in on Ohtani. The Orioles made a trade last week for Shintaro Fujinami. Baltimore took the first-place spot over the Tampa Bay Rays last week and now has a 2 game lead. They certainly have the prospects that it would take to get a deal done with the Angels.
The Diamondbacks have a limited rotation behind Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. It makes sense for them to seek help in the rotation. During an interview with the Nick Pieocoro of the Arizona Republic, general manager Mike Hazen said, “There’s a difference between being aggressive and reckless,” Hazen said. “We’re not going to be reckless. We’ll be aggressive, even ultra-aggressive, but I feel like being reckless does not serve anyone’s interests, this year’s team, or in the future.”
On the other hand, Baltimore has been in the midst of a long rebuild and could look to add and see how far they could go. They have the depth to make a move if they want to, and they own an okay starting staff with a robust back end of the bullpen. Ohtani could make owners and general managers make aggressive moves to get him. He brings people to the ballpark regularly, and if he chases the AL home run record, even more people could come out to the ballpark.
A Lot of Time Left
There are variables in play at this moment. Many won’t settle until the end of the weekend. The baseball world will have all eyes on Toronto over the weekend, as that might decide how the Ohtani trade saga could end. A bad one could mean he will be traded. A sweep or series win could mean the Angels buy.
With two teams, at minimum, checking in, it means that teams think there is a shot something could happen. The trade market hasn’t gotten going as of yet. It might not even pick up. There are plenty of rumors around Ohtani, and they could multiply as the week continues.
Main photo credits:
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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