Back in Japan, Shohei Ohtani gave an interview about his season with the Angels and his future in major league baseball. In the next few months, Ohtani could participate in the World Classic and join Team Japan, possibly as a reliever.
He mentioned that he will take some time off to relax and decide if he will join Japan, who will also play in Tokyo. Japan’s first game will take place on March 9, which should give Ohtani plenty of time to make up his mind.
Ohtani doesn’t know if he will join Japan in the first round of the Classic, especially Japan wants him as a starting pitcher. Hence the possibility of joining the team as a reliever. That way he wouldn’t need to pitch for long innings. Since his debut in MLB, he has never pitched as a reliever. When he played in Japan, it was mainly as a starter. But that wouldn’t stop him from excelling as a reliever.
Ohtani has shown many times that he can do it all on the baseball field. Despite all that, Ohtani said it would be difficult to prepare to be a reliever, since it’s different from what he usually does. Especially considering the Classic will take place right in the middle of training camp in the spring of 2023. On that note, Angels GM Perry Minasian said he wouldn’t stop Ohtani from taking part in the World Classic if he did. he wanted it.
About the Angels, remember that Ohtani said he was disappointed with the Angels season. It’s understandable since, despite an excellent season for Ohtani, the Angels were still excluded from the playoffs.
Despite this difficult season, Ohtani agreed to a contract extension, valued at $30 million for the next season. In any case, he could not take advantage of his autonomy this winter.
Despite this contract extension, rumors send Ohtani elsewhere. His salary will not stop a team that wants to improve. Ohtani would no doubt like to end up on a winning team, but will the Angels let him go? It is to be continued.
