Report: Angels unlikely to trade Ohtani even if they’re out of playoff race

The Los Angeles Angels are unlikely to trade two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani this season regardless of whether they’re in playoff contention, sources close to the situation told the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

“Zero percent chance,” one person connected to the Angels told Heyman of a potential Ohtani trade.

Angels owner Arte Moreno apparently shot down the idea of trading Ohtani at last year’s deadline despite heavy interest from multiple suitors, and no one around the team expects him to change his mind, Heyman reports. Moreno also reportedly remains hopeful the Angels can sign Ohtani long term.

Ohtani’s teammate Mike Trout believes making the playoffs gives the Angels the best chance of keeping the 2021 AL MVP beyond this season. The team hasn’t made the postseason since 2014.

“Ultimately, it’s going to come down if we get to the playoffs. That could put a thought in his mind – that could give us a shot,” Trout told Heyman.

Ohtani is a free agent at the end of this season. He’s expected to generate tons of interest, with a $500-million contract pegged as the starting point for teams interested in acquiring the 28-year-old.

The Japanese import is in the midst of another stellar campaign, hitting .269/.364/.478 with four home runs and 11 RBIs. As a pitcher, he owns a 0.86 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 21 innings.

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