While a host of teams showed interest in the two-way sensation, multiple reports had indicated in recent days that a trade of Ohtani was “highly unlikely.” Jon Heyman reported Monday afternoon that the Yankees were among “a few” teams to make “serious” offers for the reigning AL MVP.
“The Padres and White Sox are among other teams known to have tried for Ohtani in recent days, with the Angels originally signaling they are willing to listen to offers on the once-in-a-century phenom. Several teams inquired, but the interested sides have moved on with the understanding the Angels are deciding to keep their all-time versatile megastar,” Heyman wrote. “Angels owner Arte Moreno is unwilling to let Ohtani leave, especially with the team’s two other stars — Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon — out with injuries. Ohtani has another year to go before he can become a free agent.”
As a hitter, Ohtani has collected 22 home runs, 62 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 2022 while slashing .255/.352/.495 across 368 at-bats. On the hill, the 28-year-old has gone 9-6 with career-best marks in ERA (2.81) and WHIP (1.01) while racking up 145 strikeouts over 99 1/3 innings pitched covering 17 starts.
