Shohei Ohtani is the best player in Major League Baseball, and every day he is in the lineup for the Los Angeles Angels, he makes his case that he is one of the greatest players of all-time. He is already making a strong comparison to Babe Ruth as a pitcher, and he is clearly one of the top sluggers in the game today. As a result, Ohtani will almost certainly become the highest paid player in the game when he signs his next contract.

His current deal with the Angels runs out after this season. If he was going to stay with owner Arte Moreno's team long term, he almost certainly would have signed a new contract by now. That hasn't happened, and it seems doubtful that the Angels will reverse their current trend and become a playoff team.

There's an excellent chance Ohtani will be traded by the August 1 deadline, even though Moreno has said that he does not plan to trade the pitcher/slugger. However, as the deadline comes closer, it is likely to become clearer to Angels management that letting Ohtani walk in the offseason would be worse for the team than trading him.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Angels News
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27) stands on deck in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
Angels’ Mike Trout makes LA history with 1,675th MLB hitYasmin Edañol ·
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park.
Mike Trout, Angels make Fenway Park history with insane 1st inning vs. Red SoxRussell Steinberg ·
March 31, 2002; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Anaheim Angels third baseman Troy Glaus (25) greets manager Mike Scioscia (14) and team members during 2002 pregame season opener against the Cleveland Indians at Edison Field. Mandatory Credit: VJ Lovero-USA TODAY NETWORK
Angels legend shocks fans at Angel Stadium with Savannah Bananas at-batZachary Draves ·
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (27) catches a fly ball off the bat of Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Target Field.
Angels’ Mike Trout reveals initial plan amid injury returnZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout (27) hits a one run home run against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium.
Mike Trout’s ‘pumped’ message before Angels star’s return from injuryBenedetto Vitale ·
Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) works out on the field prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium.
Mike Trout set for return after Angels’ intriguing moveZachary Howell ·

MLB insider Jon Morosi reports that those discussions have already been started by those in the team's inner circle. They are starting to conclude that they will have to at least listen to offers for Ohtani, and they can make it clear that they will demand multiple high-end prospects to begin the talks.

Still, it will be difficult for Moreno to change his plans and trade Shohei Ohtani, no matter what offers the Angels receive.