Shohei Ohtani Trade Rumors: MLB analyst outlines LA Angels' compulsion to deal two-way phenom

As the MLB takes a brief pause for the All-Star weekend, the rumors surrounding Shohei Ohtani's future with the Los Angeles Angels have picked up speed yet again.

The Angels find themselves in a tough spot after getting swept by the San Diego Padres over the week. Moreover, they lost slugger Mike Trout to a wrist injury while Ohtani and Anthony Rendon both picked up minor injuries.

One MLB analyst believes that the Angels' postseason hopes are over and that it is time for them to trade their two-way star.

On Thursday's edition of the popular baseball podcast 'Flippin' Bats', host Ben Verlander explained why it is imperative for the Los Angeles Angels to trade Shohei Ohtani this season.

Verlander argued that since it seems highly unlikely that Ohtani will re-sign with the Angels at the end of the season, his trade to another team would put them in a position to land some top MLB talents for next year.

Thus, instead of losing him for nothing at the end of the season, especially if they don't make the postseason, it perhaps makes more sense to get what they can in exchange for him.

"I now believe you have to trade Shohei Ohtani," said Ben Verlander. "You have to get something for him."

Shohei Ohtani has been nothing short of superhuman for the Angels this season. The Japanese phenom has been the league's best hitter while also ranking among the top three pitchers in the MLB this season.

He has managed to single-handedly drag the Angels to postseason contention while the rest of his team has struggled to perform consistently thanks to injuries to key players.

After an injury during the series opener against the Padres, Mike Trout has undergone wrist surgery which is expected to keep him out of action for the next two months. Other players have failed to support Ohtani in his heroics.

​