Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani refuses to speculate on his contractual situation: "As of now, I’m an Angel and that’s all I want to focus on"

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani told reporters Thursday that he is not focused on anything other than the upcoming season. The phenomenal pitcher/hitter is entering the final year of his contract with the Angels, amid speculation that he could become the most sought-after free agent in MLB history.

Ohtani said:

"This is my last year and I’m aware of that. As of now, I’m an Angel and that’s all I want to focus on."

Shohei Ohtani told reporters that there have been no advanced conversations with the Angels to this point, but that he remains a member of the team "as of now."

"I'm trying not to think too far ahead," he said.

Los Angeles announced via Twitter that Ohtani will start the Angels' Opening Day game against the Oakland Athletics. Angels General Manager Perry Minasian previously said that the team had no plans to trade Ohtani during this offseason.

However, if Ohtani's contract situation remains unresolved as the season moves forward, there is widespread speculation that the 2021 American League MVP and 2022 AL MVP runner-up could be dealt before the MLB Trade Deadline this summer.

There may not be much left in the bank for Los Angeles to re-sign Shohei Ohtani, as the Angels already have the largest contract in MLB history on their books in the form of the $426.5 million deal they gave to centerfielder Mike Trout.

Baseball insiders have prospected that Ohtani, the biggest two-way superstar in MLB since Babe Ruth, is likely headed for a contract exceeding $500 million.

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels prepares for his at-bat against the Minnesota Twins

Shohei Ohtani unlike anything baseball has seen before

Shohei Ohtani made his MLB debut in 2018. He quickly established himself as one of the greatest players in the league. He won the American League Rookie of the Year Award that season, hitting .285 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs. As a pitcher, he posted a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts.

He was named the AL MVP in 2021 after recording a .273/.356/.519 slash line with 46 homers and 100 RBIs. He also pitched to the tune of a 9-2 record and a 3.52 ERA.

Last season, he was second to New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in the AL MVP voting. He led the Angels' pitching staff with a 15-9 record, 2.96 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He put up great numbers at the plate, hitting .273 with 34 homers and 95 RBIs. He also posted a 9.6 WAR, which was the second-best in the league.