MLB podcaster lays into Angels for not trading $600,000,000 free agency bound Shohei Ohtani during Trade Deadline

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels leads the MLB in triples, home runs, walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and total bases. As if this was not enough, the Japanese superstar has also posted a 9-5 record alongside a 3.32 ERA.

The two-way nature of the 29-year-old is unlike anything ever seen in the modern MLB. As such, one can only imagine the astronomical sums of money that teams will lay down for a chance to sign him this coming offseason.

In the runup to the August 1 trade deadline, rumors were swirling around Shohei Ohtani. Although his one-year, $30 million deal will expire at the end of the season, many expected the team to get out in front of things.

The prevailing theory was that, by trading Ohtani, who is expected to earn a $600 million contract in free agency, the Los Angeles Angels would retain value from a player who will be departing anyway. Observers have referenced indecisiveness from team owner Arte Moreno as well as Ohtani's desire to win. The Angels have not made the postseason since 2014.

The deadline came and went, and Ohtani remained an Angel. Moreover, team GM Perry Minasian was a busy man. The Angels acquired former All-Star pitcher Lucas Giolito from the Chicago White Sox as well as fielders CJ Cron and Randal Grichuk from the Rockies. Some have stated that they "went all in."

However, ever since the big deadline day moves, the Angels have faltered. Now 0-8 since deadline day, some are thinking once again about the team's decision. In a recent video, baseball YouTuber Fuzzy weighed in on the team's refusal to deal the Japanese, claiming that "not trading Ohtani might be the biggest mistake I've seen a team make in a long time."

Now with a record of 56-58, the team trails first-place Texas Rangers by an 11.5-game margin. When it comes to the AL Wild Card race, things do not look much better. The team is now eight games back of the third and final Wild Card spot.

Shohei Ohtani needs to grind out 2023 for the fans

Even if the Angels miss the postseason, which is looking increasingly likely by the day, the fans will still root for Ohtani. An unfortunate mix of finances, performance, and of course, money will all but surely take Shohei Ohtani away from LA this fall. All the Angels faithful can do now is enjoy him while they have him, and make sure he gets a proper goodbye.