SEATTLE — Shohei Ohtani, the Angels two-way star and the most popular player at the 93rd Major League Baseball All-Star Game, sat at a dais along the outfield warning track of T-Mobile Park late Monday morning. The rest of the American League All-Stars fanned out at tables on both sides of him. A swarm of reporters surrounded Ohtani for his 30-minute availability. It was hard to hear what Ohtani had to say. But he made one familiar message clear: He has grown tired of losing.
“Those feelings get stronger year by year,” Ohtani said through his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “It sucks to lose. [I want] to win.”
Ohtani declined to indulge speculation about either the upcoming trade deadline or his approaching free agency. The Angels (45-46) are not eager to field offers for Ohtani, although an extended stretch of losing could alter the team’s calculus. The club lost nine of its final 10 games in the first half, getting waylaid with injuries while falling to fourth place in the American League West and five games back in the race for the second wild card.
Responsibility for the team’s trouble does not fall at Ohtani’s feet. He has put forth his best first half as a hitter, leading the American League in home runs (32) and OPS (1.050). On the mound, his performance has dipped, ever so slightly, but he has still posted a 3.32 ERA with 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings. He appears on track to collect his second American League MVP trophy in three seasons. A historic payday awaits.
As a free agent this winter, Ohtani is expected to sign the most lucrative contract in baseball history. The contract is expected to surpass $500 million, if not larger, according to rival executives who requested anonymity in order to speak freely about the situation. Ohtani has declined to tip his hand about his preferred destination, whether it be a long-term pact with the Angels or a dalliance with any of the other expected suitors, like the Dodgers or the Mets.
“I’ve never been a free agent before, so I’m not sure how that’s gonna be,” Ohtani said. “I’m focused on this season right now. I just want to do my best this year and try to get as many wins as possible.”
In the days before the break, the Angels collapsed. Mike Trout suffered a fractured hamate bone, underwent surgery and began a rehab process that could last eight weeks. Anthony Rendon has not played since fouling a ball off his leg on July 4. Owner Arte Moreno has committed to not trading Ohtani as long as the club remains in contention. Defining contention will be a task for Moreno’s front office as the Aug. 1 deadline draws closer.
Ohtani declined to offer insight into his opinion on a potential trade. Mizuhara explained that Ohtani “has no control over that, so he just tries not to think about it, focuses on the game that day.” Ohtani is not exactly known for public expansiveness. He limits his briefings with reporters to group sessions after he starts. He made an exception for a jewel event like the All-Star Game.
“This is my third All-Star Game,” Ohtani said. “Every time I come, I mostly think about the All-Star Game next year.”
If Ohtani stays healthy, he will almost certainly appear at next year’s Midsummer Classic. The bigger question is which team will be represented. And where might he be playing before this winter, if the Angels continue to stumble.
“I treat every season as a special season,” Ohtani said. “This season is no different. Regardless of if I’m a free agent next year or not, just try to treat it the same as every other year.”
