The Los Angeles Angels have did not make the postseason for the final eight years, final making the playoffs two years earlier Shohei Ohtani burst onto the scene.
Ohtani was prolific in his first 5 seasons, successful the 2021 AL MVP and setting a number of data as a modern-day Babe Ruth.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels runs base after hitting a two-run house run through the twelfth inning of a baseball recreation in opposition to the Texas Rangers, Monday, June 12, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (AP photograph/Sam Hodde)
Nevertheless, Ohtani’s brilliance has but to result in victory, with Angel failed 500 in every of his 5 seasons.
ANGELS’ PLAYOFF EXPECTATIONS CHANGE DRAMATICALLY AFTER SHOHEI OHTANI’S INJURY, MIKE TROUT IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES
It appears worn on Ohtani, who has made it clear he values successful as he nears his hefty paycheck.
“That feeling solely will get stronger 12 months after 12 months,” Ohtani mentioned Monday by his translator Ippei Mizuhara, per The Athletic. “Unhappy to lose. [I want] for win.”
Ohtani is within the closing 12 months of his cope with the Angels, signing a one-year, $30 million contract in October by keep away from arbitration.
Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani, #17, pitches through the MLB baseball recreation in opposition to the Chicago White Sox taking part in June 27, 2023 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (John Cordes/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos)
The 2-way star is predicted to signal the most important deal but Main League Historical past when he grew to become a free agent late within the season.
“I’ve by no means been a free agent earlier than so I am unsure the way it will prove,” Ohtani mentioned. “I am targeted on this season now. I simply wish to do my finest this 12 months and attempt to win as a lot as attainable.”
Ohtani can be out a month the place his dominance is obvious, launched 15 house runs and hitting . 394 at plate whereas posting a 3.26 ERA on mound.
Nevertheless, that did not result in a win, because the Angels went 14-13 in June and sat at 45-46 within the All-Star Breakmisplaced 9 of their final 10 matches.
Shohei Ohtani, #17 of the Los Angeles Angels, is seen throughout Gatorade All-Star Observe Day at T-Cellular Park on July 10, 2023 in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Photos)
LA might discover buying and selling markets for Ohtani earlier than the Aug. 1 deadline, although the Angels have proven no real interest in doing so but.
“Clearly all buying and selling stuff, he has no management, so he tries not to consider it, simply focuses on the sport of the day,” Mizuhara mentioned on behalf of Ohtani, in accordance with ESPN. “That is the toughest a part of making an attempt to win ball video games every single day.”
Primarily based on Ohtani’s feedback, the Angels must win, and they should win now, however LA will enter the second spherical of MLB with a major damage. Mike Trout suffered a fracture to his left wrist and Anthony Rendon has been out of motion since 4 July.
The Angels should be wholesome if they’re to make a run within the postseason, and fulfill Ohtani’s want of successful.