(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Even if it’s not a particularly likely scenario, the possibility of Shohei Ohtani being available via trade before the deadline exists.
The Los Angeles Angels are 45-46, seven games out of first place in the AL West.
It doesn’t sound crazy to say that they might have a good run in the upcoming weeks to move closer to contention, but it’s also a possibility that they fall out of the race, in which case the chances of a trade would increase.
The problem, for those inquiring about the 2021 AL MVP, is that he would be a pure rental: his contract is up after the 2023 season and he is preparing to sign the richest deal in the history of American sports.
With that said, the reigning NL champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, might be open to trading for Ohtani if he is made available.
“Should the Phillies consider trading for Shohei Ohtani as a short-term rental? ‘I really think they’re in.’ — @Plesac19,” Sportsradio 94WIP tweeted, quoting MLB analyst and former All-Star pitcher Dan Plesac.
Should the Phillies consider trading for Shohei Ohtani as a short-term rental?
“I really think they’re in.” — @Plesac19 pic.twitter.com/2DPrcIEVOh
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) July 14, 2023
If Plesac is right, the Phillies could be preparing to make a run at Ohtani.
Do they have the prospects to pique the Angels’ interest?
Andrew Painter is full of promise but has had elbow issues this year.
Pitcher Mick Abel and outfielder Justin Crawford are the other names on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list.
One would think any offer would have to include at least two, if not all of them, plus other assets.
We don’t know if a trade to the Phillies is realistic, but that lineup and rotation would look very, very good with Ohtani.
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