The Angels were waiting as long as possible to make a decision on a Shohei Ohtani trade and their deadline plans, but they've reached it now.
Over the past month or so before the Aug. 1 MLB trade deadline, all reports about the possibility of a Shohei Ohtani trade have called it unlikely. And yet, there remained a curiosity that the Los Angeles Angels could still end up dealing him if their situation worsened in the playoff race and if a godfather offer came in.
But it's not just unlikely any more — it's flat out not happening, at least according to one MLB insider.
Tom Verducci of SI reported on Wednesday night that Shohei Ohtani is officially off of the trade market and the Angels will, instead, be looking to upgrade the roster as buyers at the deadline in a push to get into the postseason for what would be the first playoff appearance of Ohtani's career.
MLB Rumors: Shohei Ohtani trade won't happen, Angels buying at deadline
FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray reported earlier today that, at that time as well, an Ohtani trade was unlikely and that the Angels had been inquiring about MLB-level players in recent days to try and upgrade the roster. This obviously falls in line with that.
Angels owner Arte Moreno has remained steadfast about wanting to keep Ohtani with the organization, even as he's set to hit free agency this offseason. The owner believes he can lure the two-way superstar to stay with the team he's spent the entirety of his MLB career with to this point in free agency instead of leaving, thus the rationale behind not wanting to trade him at the deadline.
Furthermore, the Angels have been of late, going 7-3 coming out of the All-Star break and closing the gap in the wild card race to just four games out of a playoff berth. Being that close and with Mike Trout getting closer to a return, keeping Ohtani, buying at the deadline, and furthering that push has started to look like the most prudent option.
The long-term future of Ohtani remains in question, no doubt. He could very well leave in free agency regardless of what happens with the Angels the rest of this season. Having said that, we'll have to wait to see the conclusion there.
And until then, he'll be staying with the Angels.
