Los Angeles Angels’ top player, Shohei Ohtani, is set to hit free agency next off-season, with his present contract expiring at the end of the 2023 season.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Angels, has captured the attention of baseball fans worldwide with his remarkable talent. Ohtani is one of the most unique players in the game today, capable of both pitching and hitting at a high level. Many teams would love to have Ohtani on their roster, but it’s not as simple as it sounds.
Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Angels is coming to an end after the conclusion of the 2023 season. The two-way player has a career average of .268, with 130 homers, 351 RBIs, and 468 strikeouts with a 2.84 ERA. He is a complete package. Hence, the teams’ are likely to rally behind him during free agency. Meanwhile, even the New York Yankees are in contention, but can they afford a player like Ohtani?
Shohei Ohtani In The Yankees? Can The Yankees Afford The Two Way Player?
Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani is arguably the finest player in the MLB right now. His all-around ability to hit towering home runs and throw nasty pitches on the mound sets him apart from the mass. However, despite strong talent, the Japanese national wants to enter the free agent market in the 2024 off-season. Recently, rumors have circulated that the New York Yankees may be interested in acquiring Ohtani, which would pair him with their own superstar players, such as Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. However, such a move would be incredibly difficult and expensive for the Yankees to pull off.
Shohei Ohtani could be worth around $500 million in the market. Any team would be willing to have a player like Othani on the roster and hence would cash out as much money as he demands. But for the Yankees, the dream of a formidable hitting lineup looks far-fetched. The team already cashed out $360 million this off-season to retain their star slugger, Aaron Judge. Hence, $500 million is too big an amount even for the $7 billion franchise to spend on. When asked about the possibility, Yankees pitcher, Nestor Cortes, said they would love to have a player like Ohtani in the lineup. But it’s going to be a hell lot of expensive and tedious. Regardless, Cortes and the whole club will look forward to it and see how things pan out.
Ohtani Unlikely To Pitch Against The Yankees
The New York Yankees will face Los Angeles Angels for a three-game series on Tuesday. However, Shohei Ohtani would be relieved of his pitching duties. He pitched two innings on Monday against the Boston Red Sox in the rain halted game. Hence, the 28-year-old is unlikely to pitch on Tuesday against the Bronx Bombers. However, the battle is just half won for the Yankees.
The team still has to hold off Ohtani’s offense. This season the Japanese national is averaging .288 with three home runs and nine RBIs. Moreover, considering the Yankees’ recent struggle to hold off runs in defense, Ohtani is a way bigger threat than previously anticipated.
