The good news for the Los Angeles Angels is that they’re still technically in the playoff hunt heading into the 1 August MLB trade deadline. That is also the bad news. You see, that slim hope of a postseason berth complicates their upcoming decision on whether to trade the greatest player in baseball or risk losing him in free agency and gain nothing in return.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, starting pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is in the midst of one of the most impressive two-way performances in sports history. Ohtani leads the majors in home runs, OPS and slugging percentage, all while doubling up as one of MLB’s best pitchers. Imagine an NFL player who led the league in touchdown throws and sacks. Or a soccer center-forward who scored 30 goals a season and saved penalties.
