“Ohtani and we have a relationship of trust.”
Los Angeles Angels general manager Perry Minassian had an interview with reporters on the 5th (Korean time) at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, USA. At this meeting, general manager Minassian revealed his thoughts on Shohei Ohtani, who will qualify as a free agent (FA) after the 2023 season ends.
From the time he entered the major leagues, Ohtani received a lot of attention. In that he can play an active role as both a pitcher and a hitter, the enthusiasm of fans as well as big league clubs was hot. Immediately after entering the major leagues, Ohtani was unable to show his ‘double sword’ performance due to injuries, etc., but caused a sensation in the 2021 season.
Ohtani appeared on the mound in 23 games (130⅓ innings) and went 9-2 with an ERA of 3.18 and 155 games at bat with 138 hits, 46 home runs, 100 RBIs, 103 runs scored, 26 stolen bases, and a batting average of 0.257 OPS of 0.965. Ohtani, who broke various records that could be obtained through ‘two swords’, won the competition with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) and won the ‘unanimous’ American League MVP title.
It didn’t just sparkle. Ohtani played 28 games (166 innings) as a pitcher last year and had a career-high season on the mound with a record of 15 wins and 9 losses with an ERA of 2.33. And as a hitter, the indicators declined compared to the 2021 season, but in 157 games, 160 hits, 34 home runs, 95 RBIs, 90 points, 11 stolen bases, a batting average of 0.273 OPS 0.875, he performed at the top of the major leagues.
The major league stage is not easy to succeed with just one position. However, if you are a player like Ohtani, who has top-level skills in both pitch and hit, the value is beyond imagination. This is why Ohtani’s estimated ransom is estimated at $500 million (approximately 625.5 billion won) while he has not yet obtained free agent qualification. 500 million dollars is an unprecedented contract size that has not been born in all professional sports around the world. 토토사이트
The interest is so hot. Ohtani is already receiving interest from the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. In addition, the New York Mets, which are fully supported by the owner of ‘billionaire’ Steve Cohen, are also considered a likely destination for Ohtani’s recruitment. More clubs are likely to jump in after the season is over.
Of course, the Angels are also a team that can share the future with Ohtani. However, Angels fans view Ohtani’s chances of staying low. This is because the decision to sell the club last year was recently withdrawn. The Angels are not stingy with investments, but they are not a club with enough money to catch Ohtani.
Moreover, even if there is money, it is not very likely that Ohtani will choose to stay with the Angels. This is why Ohtani has never made it to the postseason since stepping on the major league stage. Ohtani has previously expressed his desire for fall baseball several times. To put it mildly, the Angels don’t have a very good chance of making the postseason.
In the midst of this, Captain Minassian opened his mouth. According to Japan’s ‘Sankei Sports’, Minassian’s general manager said, ‘If we renew the contract with Ohtani, we will need a lot of money’ and said, “We really like Ohtani. Everyone on this team feels that way. “I’m sorry that I always seem to repeat the same thing, but I have no intention of talking about the negotiation process or anything like that.”
Director Minassian unexpectedly showed confidence in the ‘War of Money’. He said, “Our team’s total annual salary is equivalent to the top 10 in the major leagues. This does not change. We have a strong will to win.” Explained.
Minassian continued, “We have agreed to two contracts in the past two years. This was not an easy task, but it was possible because we respected each other. Our relationship is great. We kept in touch with Ohtani, who was training in Arizona, often. We had a conversation a few days ago,” revealing their close relationship, and sent a message of support, saying, “I hope he will show the world what a great player he is at the WBC (World Baseball Classic).”
It is true that the prospect at this point lacks facts. Everything has to be opened. It remains to be seen whether Ohtani will wear the Angels’ uniform next year or whether he will make a nest in another team.