Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minasian stated on Tuesday that the Angels are highly unlikely to trade Shohei Ohtani if they remain in playoff contention this summer, according to ESPN.

While Minasian didn't definitively promise that Ohtani won't be traded, he emphasized his stance on the matter with these latest comments. He strongly indicated that the Angels are determined to end their eight-year playoff drought and are willing risk losing the superstar in free agency.

“It's pretty self-explanatory with where we're at (in the standings),” Minasian said while speaking to reporters before the Angels opened a two-game Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are likely to be one of the top contenders for Ohtani in free agency.

With a record of 41-33, the Angels currently hold one of the AL's Wild Card spots and are trailing the AL West-leading Texas by five games. Their recent 11-3 surge, including a three-game series win against the Rangers, has significantly boosted their chances of making the playoffs for the first time in Ohtani's career.

Ohtani will be 29 next month and has been instrumental in the Angels' success this season. He leads the major leagues in home runs, RBIs, slugging percentage, and opponents' batting average. Hitting .300 with a 1.016 OPS, 24 home runs, and 58 RBIs, Ohtani has also excelled on the mound with a 6-2 record, a 3.29 ERA, and 105 strikeouts, which ranks fifth in the majors. His opponents' batting average of .178 is the best in the league.

In his final year of team control, Ohtani is earning $30 million this season. Although he has spent six seasons with the Angels, the team has yet to reach the postseason or achieve a winning record during his tenure alongside Mike Trout.

The MLB trade deadline is set for August 1. If the Angels decide not to trade Shohei Ohtani, they would only receive a compensatory draft pick if he signs with another team as a free agent.