Aaron Judge bet on himself ahead of the 2022 MLB season and it ultimately paid off. He won the AL MVP over Shohei Ohtani and ended up receiving a massive contract to stay in New York with the Yankees. Ohtani is expected to bet on himself in 2023 as well. The two-way phenom is entering a contract year and will hit free agency barring a Los Angeles Angels' extension. If Arte Moreno and the Angels are unable to extend Ohtani prior to Opening Day, it will be imperative that they make a final decision on him prior to the July trade deadline.

Why Angels need to decide on Shohei Ohtani's future by July

Angels fans are already growing impatient. Yes, the team locked up Mike Trout for the long-term future. But as talented as Trout is, the Halos haven't reached the postseason since 2014. Additionally, this is a franchise that has only won a single World Series championship (2002) in their entire history.

But the fan base would likely implode if the Angels let Shohei Ohtani walk in free agency without receiving anything in return. Sure, they may gain a compensatory draft pick, but that does not come anywhere close to replacing this generation's Babe Ruth.

If the Angels are competitive this season, Ohtani may be open to signing an extension. But if the team feels as if Ohtani will not sign a long-term deal to remain in Anaheim, trading him will be the best course of action.

Teams will be willing to surrender no shortage of prospects or even star players to acquire Shohei Ohtani. It would also give teams a chance to get an early start on contract negotiations ahead of his looming free agency.

If the Angels are not decided on his future by July, there is a very real chance that he won't be traded and will leave in free agency.

So is there any hope for Angels fans?

Mike Trout said it best when he revealed what it will take to keep Ohtani in an Angels uniform.

“There's nothing more that he (Ohtani) wants to do than win. We gotta put a big year together and hopefully keep him here,” Trout said on MLB Network's High Heat.

The Angels' success, or potential lack thereof, may ultimately determine what happens with Shohei Ohtani's future. But if they struggle once again, trading him in July will be of the utmost importance.