In one of the most exciting headlines for baseball fans, the Los Angeles Angels’ owner Arte Moreno has pledged to keep Shohei Ohtani, the dynamic two-way superstar, as long as the team sticks to its winning ways. Ohtani was traded to the Angels in 2017 by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan, and it’s no secret that the Angels have been more than satisfied with their acquisition. His abilities as a pitcher and a hitter make him one of the most valuable players in the league.
However, the Angels have not been successful in recent years, and Ohtani’s two seasons have been marred by injuries. But the team seems to have a renewed determination to turn things around, and Moreno’s statement gives fans hope that the team will improve its record and compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming seasons.
Moreno’s comments were made during an interview with ESPN Los Angeles radio show “Lunchtime with Roggin and Rodney.” Moreno was asked about Ohtani’s future with the team and responded, “As long as we’re in a position to win, I don’t think he would go anywhere.”
It’s clear that Moreno recognizes the value that Ohtani brings to the team and, as a businessman, he understands that keeping him on board is crucial to the team’s success. The Angels have not made the playoffs since 2014, and Ohtani’s arrival was seen by many as a catalyst that could change the team’s fortunes. Moreno’s statement is a clear indication that the team is committed to putting together a winning roster and making a push for championship glory.
There is no denying that Ohtani is a superstar. In his rookie season in 2018, he hit .285 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs in just 104 games. As a pitcher, he had a 3.31 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 51.2 innings pitched. However, his 2019 season was cut short due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. In 2020, Ohtani’s pitching was curtailed due to soreness in his arm, and he struggled at the plate, hitting just .190 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs.
Despite the injury setbacks, Ohtani remains one of the most exciting players in baseball, and the Angels are fortunate to have him on their team. The challenge for the Angels will be to build a roster that can support Ohtani and give him the best chance to succeed. The team has made some moves in the offseason to bolster its pitching staff, signing left-hander José Quintana and right-hander Alex Cobb. The Angels have also added some power to their lineup, signing first baseman and designated hitter, Albert Pujols, to a one-year deal.
Moreno’s statement is a clear indication that the Angels are committed to keeping Ohtani, and fans can look forward to seeing the two-way superstar in red and white for years to come. The next step for the Angels will be to put together a team that can compete with the best in the league and give Ohtani the support he needs to reach his full potential. With Moreno’s commitment to keeping Ohtani on the team, the Angels are well on their way to doing just that.
