The Angels enter the 2023 season at an inflection point. Their owner, Arte Moreno, abruptly reversed course this offseason, backing out on his previous decision to sell the team and now opting to retain ownership. That has altered the franchise’s course, particularly in regards to the future of its biggest star: Shohei Ohtani.
The two-way sensation and 2021 American League MVP is entering his final season under contract with the team. With Angels players reporting for spring training on Wednesday, Ohtani was a popular topic of conversation—including with fellow superstar Mike Trout.
Trout, a three-time MVP who’s entering his 13th year with the Angels, was asked about Ohtani’s contract situation, and didn’t hide his preference for what kind of outcome he hopes for.
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“I’m going to do whatever I can to keep Shohei here,” Trout said, per ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez.
The pair have been teammates since 2018, have yet to post a winning record together, let alone make the postseason. While Trout said he understands that Ohtani needs to make the best decision for himself, he hopes that ends up with both players remaining in Anaheim.
“He’s got to really sit down and think about it. It’s a big decision for him. It’s probably the biggest one of his life. It’s a difficult decision, because it’s for him,” Trout said. “If he does stay or if he—I don’t even like saying it—if he leaves, it’s going to be different for him. New atmosphere, new people, new teammates. Like I said, I’m going to do whatever I can to keep him here.”
Ohtani was the runner-up in last year’s MVP voting, going 15–9 with a 2.33 ERA on the mound while hitting 34 home runs with 95 RBIs. Trout, meanwhile, hit 40 home runs despite playing in just 119 games.
