A recent Reddit post posed an intriguing hypothetical scenario: what if the Los Angeles Angels had traded superstar Shohei Ohtani at the 2023 trade deadline? With Ohtani being one of the most exciting players in baseball, the discussion turned into a lively debate filled with opinions, predictions, and a sprinkling of sarcasm. The original poster, blueshirts16, drew a comparison to the San Diego Padres’ hefty return when they traded for Juan Soto, suggesting that the Angels could have received a substantial haul given Ohtani’s explosive talent. However, sentiments ran the gamut, with many fans expressing skepticism about the Angels’ management and the potential value of Ohtani in the trade market.
Summary
- The debate centers around whether the Angels would have received a similar package to that of Soto’s deal if they had traded Ohtani.
- Many fans expressed distrust in Angels’ owner Arte Moreno and questioned his decision-making skills.
- Commenters speculated on the kind of players the Angels could have received, with a mix of humor and frustration.
- The overarching sentiment is one of missed opportunities and the need for better management in the Angels organization.
An Intriguing What-If
The idea of trading Shohei Ohtani during his peak is understandably divisive among fans. While Ohtani’s dual threat capability seems too good to pass up — who wouldn’t want a player who can pitch like an ace and hit like a slugger? — the Angels’ performance during the season has left many fans feeling disappointed. Commenter Witty-Stand888 highlighted this sentiment by stating, “They were offered 3-4 of the dodgers, Yankees and Padres best prospects if rumors are true. But in typical Arte Moreno fashion they got nothing and went nowhere.” This reflects a broader frustration within the fanbase: the feeling that the Angels have continuously missed on opportunities to build a competitive team around Ohtani and Mike Trout.
The Lesson of the Soto Trade
Juan Soto’s trade to the Padres serves as a benchmark when discussing the potential return for Ohtani. At a glance, the Padres received a treasure trove of talent, and this alone fuels the debate. The question many fans pose is whether the Angels could have received a similar package. Commenter Legume__, rather pragmatically suggested, “Ohtani was going to hit FA no matter what. So it’s more of a question of what would you get for a half season of Ohtani which is a lot, but probably not more than what the Padres got for Soto.” This perspective does indeed shine a light on the challenge for the Angels; trading Ohtani would have meant accepting a blinkered view of his immense value while trying to balance when and how much the team could expect in return.
Distrust in Management
A significant undercurrent in the comments revolves around distrust in Angels’ management, particularly Arte Moreno. Many fans are harsh in their criticism because they feel Moreno has made poor decisions that repeatedly undermine the team’s success. One distinct comment echoed this by saying, “Pieces they Arte would’ve pissed away.” It’s a colorful way of suggesting that if a trade were made, the front office might mishandle the assets acquired. This reflects a deep-rooted disappointment with the status quo in the Angels organization and raises questions about the overall direction of the franchise going forward. While the idea of making a bold trade fascinates many, the fear of further non-productive moves makes fans cautious.
The Hypothetical Market for Ohtani
If the Angels had decided to trade Ohtani, the market would have been heated. Ohtani is a generational talent, and as several commenters noted, the deal would likely have involved multiple top prospects. The ongoing speculation about potential trades only adds fuel to the fire. Rude-Cow1658 pointed out, “In the past, high caliber rentals have gone for a few top prospects and a few mid-range ones. Nothing insane.” This view points towards the need for the Angels to really dissect what they could realistically expect in terms of player return — balancing out the potential of receiving rising stars versus the threats of other teams bolstering their own rosters. Whether the Angels could aim as high as other franchises remain open to debate.
Ultimately, while fans continue speculating on the fate of their team, Ohtani’s impending free agency sets up a tense situation. As teams prepare for potential bidding wars, the lesson in managing high-talent players remains paramount. Such discussions highlight how the Angels must navigate the thin line between maximizing talent already on their roster and acting decisively to secure future success. The need for a clear vision within the organization has never been more evident, especially as Ohtani’s future looms over the Angels like a storm cloud.