Shohei Ohtani’s scathing comments prove Angel’s exit could be imminent

Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani admitted it’s difficult to stay motivated on a losing team, which is really bad news for Los Angeles’ chances of keeping him.

That Angel has elected not to trade Shohei Ohtani at MLB trade date, but there are no guarantees they will be able to hold him once he reaches free agency in 2024.

Ohtani will start looking for a big contract in due course. Ultimately, even if Los Angeles can afford the two-way star, his inability to fight for the playoffs may stand in the way of any contract offer.

Ohtani’s recent comments don’t paint an optimistic picture for the Angels.

Shohei Ohtani’s scathing comments prove Angel’s exit could be imminent

“It’s hard to stay motivated that way,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. according to the Los Angeles Times.

Ohtani was asked if the Angels weren’t a playoff contender. It was that lack of postseason hope that led to LA’s deadline day trades. Ohtani admitted morale is not high.

“Obviously as a team you can’t continue playing with the high morale you had when you were aiming for the postseason,” he said.

The worst thing for Ohtani has to be that he’s playing at a high level and that doesn’t make a difference.

“We’re not in a place where it’s good just to think that if you do what you can do in that one batter or in one inning, or get a score against that one batter, that’s stacking up and just win the game ,” he said. “As a player, it’s quite difficult knowing that the odds are slim that a win will help you get into the postseason. But I think I’d love to do what I do must do as best I can.”

Will Ohtani be willing to do his best for much longer without achieving results at team level?

When the angels think the answer is yes they are extremely optimistic.