The Los Angeles Angels are a point of discussion lately. Multiple reasons have contributed to it. It includes their shocking dip in form and then the situation surrounding two-star players Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. First, the injuries to both players raised many questions, and then Trout’s take on his contract added to the fire. Now, the Angels themselves have added another angle to the conversation with a failed attempt to hold Ohtani.

It is out in the open that they expect the 2021 AL MVP to go free agent at the end of the season. Projections are estimating his new contract to be around $500 million. However, nothing is clear about where Ohtani will go. But he is unlikely to sign for the Angels again. The Angels’ failure to make it to the postseason appears not to sit well with the player. Be that as it may, it seems they have still not given up on hopes of retaining the Japanese star through this act. Let’s dive into the story.

Angels Fail While Fulfilling Void of Injured Shohei Ohtani in Team Photo

Shohei Ohtani is currently injured and has been put on the injured list. As a result of his absence, he couldn’t be part of the team photo recently. But the Angels made sure that he was there through his jersey worn by an unknown person. Needless to say, the move failed badly.

This is the guy that filled in to be Shohei Ohtani for the Angels team photo LMAOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/7KXFL6N2b7

— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) September 6, 2023

A Twitter user reflected on the attempt with the following caption: “This is the guy that filled in to be Shohei Ohtani for the Angels team photo LMAOOOOOOO.” It looks like this is a desperate attempt from the Angels to show that Ohtani is very much part of the team and will continue to be so in the future.

But is it really the case? Ohtani has always shared his unhappiness over the team losing. He has repeatedly said he is here to win and does not like losing. This was visible in his statement two seasons back. “I really like the team. I love the fans, I love the atmosphere of the team, but more than that, I want to win. That’s the biggest thing for me. I’ll leave it at that.” Despite the Angels’ friendly attempt, the uncertainty still hangs over whether or not he will stay.

Will Ohtani Stay With the Angels or Hear the Other Team Calling?

Ohtani is one of the most talented players in the league. Because of his pitching and batting s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, he is an asset to any team. But to prosper, he needs a team that can complement his hard work. And that does not seem to be the case with the $2.7 billion team, the Los Angeles Angels. They have not made it to the playoffs since 2014 and has been on a poor run since then.

Even in the ongoing season, they have failed to capitalize on the good start and are way behind the playoff race. Given that it will be another season without playoffs, Ohtani’s dream to win the championship with them will remain unfulfilled. And with uncertainty around the team’s future, it should not come as a surprise if he chooses to break ranks.

Moreover, with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners doing great, the two-way phenom has options. At present, his move out appears imminent, and Angels would have to find a replacement for him at the end of the season. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.