A Shohei Ohtani trade seems unlikely at the MLB trade deadline, but let's pretend. What's the best trade offer every NL East team could offer?
Shohei Ohtani seems reluctant to play on the east coast, instead preferring to sign with a low-key team out west. The San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres fit that mold. The Los Angeles Dodgers are the presumed favorites, as they have the financial capital and winning mentality.
For this exercise, however, let's pretend Ohtani were interested in a trade to the NL East. What would those offers look like, and who would win out?
Any trade for Ohtani isn't so simple. His value is immense, but he's only a rental. General manager must balance his worth with the likelihood that his departure is imminent, or at the very least the front office will have to shell out a record contract to keep him around this offseason. Ohtani's value is likely comparable to that of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner. The duo was traded to the Dodgers in 2021 in exchange for two top-50 prospects, and another top-15 arm in the LA system.
Shohei Ohtani rumors: A Miami Marlins trade package
The Marlins are not trading for Shohei Ohtani, I will start there. However, if they were, it would benefit them to trade Meyer, their top prospect ranked 50th overall by MLB Pipeline. De La Cruz is a 26-year-old outfielder who is hitting the ball quite well this season with moderate power. Dax Fulton is a top-100 prospect in the making, and projects to be a mid-rotation starting pitcher at best.
Shohei Ohtani Rumors: A Philadelphia Phillies trade package
Andrew Painter is the Phillies top prospect, but he's set to miss the next 8-12 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He's also the No. 8 overall prospect in baseball, and the Phils don't want to part with that potential for what could be less than half a season of Ohtani.
Abel and Crawford are both top-100 prospects. Lee is the team's No. 5 prospect, and a signee out of Taiwan. Crawford was the Phillies 2022 first-round pick. At just 19 years old, he won't be in the majors for quite some time. Abel could contribute as soon as next season, though, with the right development. The Angels lack pitching, so on the surface this trade makes some sense.
Shohei Ohtani Rumors: A New York Mets trade package
The Mets throw in a fourth prospect here for several reasons. First, their asking price is slightly higher because they are a threat to re-sign Ohtani, thus making him not a rental. Second, they don't have top pitching talent to send back the other way, which is a need for this Angels team. Parada is blocked by Francisco Alvarez, while Williams would have to change positions thanks to Francisco Lindor (and potentially Ronny Mauricio). Tidwell is the team's top pitching prospect, but he's 22 and still in A+.
Sarmiento is just 18 years old and a signee out of Venezuela. He signed the third-richest international deal in Mets history, per MLB Pipeline. He has real potential, but for Ohtani, this return is worthwhile.
Shohei Ohtani Rumors: A Washington Nationals trade package
Two top-100 prospects is the asking price for Ohtani, and the Nationals can deliver on that promise thanks to a strong arm system. Just last trade deadline they dealt Juan Soto to the San Diego Padres, stocking up on prospects for a moment like this. Sadly, Washington is still a few years away from becoming a legitimate contender, so they are unlikely to trade for Ohtani.
House and Cavalli are both top-100 prospects, with the latter already receiving MLB experience. In Los Angeles, he could slide right into the starting rotation should the Angels wish. White is a young outfielder ranked tenth in the Nationals system, and could be a top-5 prospect on some teams. Carrillo is a Double-A pitcher who could be stashed for depth, or even receive a long-relief chance with the Angels.
Shohei Ohtani Rumors: Atlanta Braves trade package
Considering Atlanta's farm system isn't considered strong by most pundits, this is a decent trade package for the Angels to consider. All three of these players have MLB experience, and could start their Angels careers on the roster.
Grissom has struggled defensively at shortstop, but his bat is his calling card. With moderate power, but solid speed and contact rates, the Angels need to find their own Ron Washington to tutor him this offseason. Smith-Shawver is a top-100 prospect and just 20 years old. He made his MLB debut this season, and can be used out of the bullpen or as a starting pitcher. Brian Snitker tested out both those theories, and Smith-Shawver had some impressive outings, though more time in the minors could benefit him. Shuster is a former first-round pick and on the fringes of the Braves rotation. On the Angels, he could likely slide into the back of the rotation or in a long-relief role.
