Shohei Ohtani is off the trade market. After fielding various trade offers for Ohtani and holding internal discussions the past two days, the Angels decided late Wednesday afternoon not only to hold Ohtani but also to be buyers in advance of the Aug. 1 trade deadline, according to a source familiar with the club’s decision.
Los Angeles entered play Wednesday 3.5 games out of a wild-card spot. It last reached the postseason in 2014. Its eight-year playoff drought is tied with that of Detroit for the longest current drought.
General manager Perry Minasian will focus on adding a starting pitcher and a reliever before the deadline. The Angels also expect outfielder Mike Trout to return in mid-August from a broken hamate bone, allowing for what could be one last run with Trout and Ohtani as teammates. Ohtani is a free agent after the season and is expected to command a record contract that will make it difficult for the Angels to win the bidding war for him.
