The 2022 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching. Teams are beginning to decide whether or not they will be buyers or sellers come the deadline, and it appears that the Los Angeles Angels will once again be sellers at the deadline. That has raised the question of whether or not their star two-way phenom, Shohei Ohtani, will be available for the taking at the deadline.
Rumors have been floating recently about a possible trade for Shohei Ohtani given the Angels struggles for much of the season. It's worth noting that the haul they could get for Ohtani would be massive, and teams have begun calling to see whether or not Ohtani may be available.
Unfortunately for playoff contenders across the MLB, it appears as if Shohei Ohtani will not be available at the trade deadline this season. Sources have told Jon Morosi of MLB Network that while teams are asking the Angels about Ohtani's availability, L.A. has shut them down, giving no indication that they would be willing to trade their star player at the deadline.
Sources: @MLB teams are calling #Angels to express trade interest in Shohei Ohtani, but the Angels are indicating they have no plans to move the superstar before the Aug. 2 Trade Deadline. @MLBNetwork @MLBNetworkRadio
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 23, 2022
This isn't incredibly surprising to see, as the Angels believe that they could become a contender in the future given all the talent they have in their lineup. Trading Ohtani now would involve them giving up on that hope, and starting from scratch again.
The fact that these rumors have begun popping up though probably isn't a great sign for the Angels, as it indicates that preliminary discussions were probably held discussing Ohtani's future with the team. And if Ohtani were to be available, what would that mean for Mike Trout's future? But rest assured Angels fans, it appears Ohtani is staying put for now, although that may not be the case for much longer if they continue to struggle.
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