Shohei Ohtani Free Agency: 3 worst landing spots for MLB superstar once Angels contract ends

Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani is basking in the glory of his recent success for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. In the grandest of stages, the two-way superstar added the finishing touches to his magnum opus, striking out MLB teammate Mike Trout with a filthy breaking ball to bring home the title for Samurai Japan.

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With his long itinerary of individual achievements, it is surprising that Shohei Ohtani hasn't made the playoffs in Anaheim yet. His counterpart in the WBC denouement, Mike Trout, has promised to do his utmost to keep him an Angel but with his contract up at the end of the 2023 season, the Japanese phenom could soon look elsewhere for a new home.

Every club with a buck to spare will be vying for the services of his electric talents, but Ohtani must be wary of signing for the following teams:

#1 Los Angeles Dodgers

Cross-town rivals Los Angeles Dodgers could be in the mix to acquire Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani going to the Dodgers seems to be the talk of the town among MLB analysts. This could backfire spectacularly for him, considering the Dodgers' inability to get over the hump in multiple playoff appearances (except for the 2020 pandemic-shortened season).

Angels owner Arte Moreno will also be highly reluctant to give his sworn enemies a chance at signing the best player in baseball.

#2 New York Yankees

The Yankees were all in on Ohtani even before he reached the MLB. Having struck out in their original pursuit, the Bombers will do their best to add him to their vaunted rotation.

But the bright lights and constant glare of negativity in the Bronx could be too much for Shohei as the most successful club in American sports tries to break its championship drought.

#3 New York Mets

Steve Cohen has shown his commitment to winning by signing several big names during his tenure as New York Mets owner. Signing Shohei Ohtani would be a statement beyond anything else in his time.

Although this deal makes a lot of sense on paper, the Mets will have to convince the Angels to take back their No. 2 prospect Francisco Alvarez. Unfulfilled expectations and a monetary hit could lead to a frustrating future for Mets fans if the deal indeed goes through.