Shohei Ohtani trade rumors have recently surfaced for a number of reasons. The Los Angeles Angels have consistently failed to contend since Ohtani arrived in Anaheim. Additionally, the two-way phenom is set to hit free agency following next season. However, Angels' GM Perry Minasian pumped the brakes on the Ohtani trade stirrings, per the LA Times' Sarah Valenzuela.

“Shohei Ohtani will not be moved/traded at all this off-season and will start the 2023 season with the Angels, per Perry Minasian,” Valenzuela wrote on Twitter.

Shohei Ohtani's name was linked to numerous teams ahead of the 2022 MLB trade deadline. Nothing ultimately came to fruition, and the superstar finished out the season with the non-contending Angels. When news broke in August that Arte Moreno may be looking to sell the team, trade rumors began to resurface. And up until this bombshell declaration from Minasian, many people around the MLB world believed Shohei Ohtani could be on his way out the door this offseason.

If the Angels opt to not deal Ohtani away in the offseason, one has to wonder if they will attempt to negotiate an extension with him. The worst possible case scenario is if LA loses Ohtani in free agency next year without getting anything in return other than a compensatory pick.

The 2022 MLB offseason is expected to be a thrilling one with stars such as Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom set to hit free agency. However, we will continue to monitor Shohei Ohtani updates as well as the offseason rolls on.