MLB analyst names the price of acquiring Shohei Ohtani: "You gotta give away the future to get Ohtani"
When Shohei Ohtani's one-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels expires at the end of this season, he is expected to garner offers in excess of $500 million.
A former MVP award winner and Rookie of the Year, Ohtani's two-way abilities render him one of the most dynamic players in baseball. He is also the first player ever to hit 100 or more RBIs and 100 or more strikeouts.
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"A 6-inning, 9-K bump day for Shohei Ohtani!" - MLB
Despite his superstar credentials, the Los Angeles Angels have been unable to lock Ohtani down long-term. Many point to penny-pinching measures from owner Arte Moreno as the primary reason for the lack of resources being funnelled into keeping Shohei Ohtani around, especially when the team is paying Mike Trout around $35 million per season.
Conversely, some believe that the Los Angeles Angels could be persuaded to trade Ohtani before the August 1 deadline. This option is seen as a way for the team to ensure that they get something in return for a star who will be departing regardless.
In a recent appearance on MLB Network Radio, analyst Jim Memolo cast doubt on the theory that Ohtani could be traded. The seasoned baseball expert claimed that no team will be able to afford the price that the Angels will be asking in return.
"You gotta give away the future to get Ohtani."
@JLEWFifty and @jimmemolo play GM and discuss what the future could hold for Shohei Ohtani.
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"You gotta give away the future to get Ohtani." @JLew50 and @JMemolo play GM and discuss what the future could hold for Shohei Ohtani." - MLB Network Radio on Xirius XM
Memolo drew attention to the fact that any team who stands a chance of acquiring Ohtani in a trade will need to surrender elite pitching prospects, generational sluggers, or a combination of both.
As such, the prevailing theory is that Shohei Ohtani will remain in an Angels uniform until the end of the season. With the Angels only four games behind the first-placed Texas Rangers in the AL West, perhaps Ohtani will have a reason to play hard for his team come the summer months.
Shohei Ohtani's ultimate destination remains one of the prevailing mysteries of modern sports
If the Angels traded Ohtani, they will need to ensure that they are at least getting the sum of him in return. Any team who is able to call this generational player their own is exceedingly fortunate. While trading him before the end of his contract may seem like an exciting prospect for the team, it is doubtful they will be able to name a price.