Angels take Shohei Ohtani off trade market despite impending free agency: report

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The Los Angeles Angels are taking a huge risk.

They have reportedly decided to not trade Shohei Ohtani and become buyers at the trade deadline.

The risk? Ohtani is a free agent at season's end, so they could be losing him at the end of the year for nothing.

But Sports Illustrated reports that Los Angeles will take the gamble, despite fielding offers for the two-way superstar.

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Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox in Anaheim, Calif., Monday, June 26, 2023.  (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

The Angels will reportedly try to add some pitching alongside Ohtani and expect things to turn when Mike Trout returns from his injury — also alongside Ohtani.

The Angels entered play Wednesday 4.0 games out of the final wild card spot with their 52-49 record but will now look to break their eight-year postseason drought. Ohtani entered the major leagues in 2018 and has not made the postseason.

Ohtani has said he wants to start winning. Despite all his talent, the Angels have not done that. So, Ohtani could look to ink a deal elsewhere. Considering that Ohtani will likely command the first $500 million deal in baseball history, the Angels could get a boatload for Ohtani, even if he's just a rental. But clearly, they value trying to win, rather than selling off a once-in-forever talent.

Even former New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia recently told Fox News Digital that the Angels should trade Ohtani to "try to get as much back as possible, especially if you think he's gonna walk." But Los Angeles