Shohei Ohtani is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball today. The Japanese baseball player has become a superstar in MLB due to his incredible talent on both the mound and at the plate.
As a pitcher, he consistently throws over 100 mph and has a devastating splitter that baffles opposing hitters. As a hitter, he possesses raw power and the ability to hit for average, resulting in some truly jaw-dropping home runs.
Additionally, his humble demeanor and work ethic have endeared him to fans across the league. Ohtani’s unique skill set and electrifying performances have made him one of the most exciting players in baseball, and he has quickly become a household name in both the United States and Japan.
However, despite his impressive performances, Ohtani’s potential may not be fully realized if he stays with the Los Angeles Angels. While the team has shown some promise in recent years, their support for Ohtani has been limited, and they have struggled to make the playoffs.
As Ohtani approaches free agency after the 2023 season, there are many reasons why he should consider signing with another team.
Here are seven of them:
Why Shohei Ohtani Should Consider Signing with Another Team in 2023 Free Agency: The Limitations of the Angels’ Support and the Potential for a Superstar to Shine
Lack of team success
Despite Ohtani’s impressive individual performance, the Los Angeles Angels have struggled to make the playoffs during his tenure with the team. Ohtani has not had the opportunity to showcase his skills on baseball’s biggest stage, and signing with a team that has a better chance of making the postseason could give him that opportunity.
Additionally, playing for a winning team could help Ohtani’s chances of winning individual awards, such as the MVP or Cy Young. With his talent and potential, Ohtani deserves to be on a team that can compete for a championship and showcase his abilities on a national stage.
Furthermore, joining a successful team could also provide Ohtani with more support from his teammates, coaches, and front office, which could help him continue to develop and improve as a player. Overall, while the Angels have been a good starting point for Ohtani’s MLB career, it may be time for him to consider signing with a team that can offer him a better chance at team success and individual accolades.
Better Surrounding Cast
While Ohtani is undoubtedly a superstar, the Angels have not been able to build a team around him that can compete for a championship. Signing with a team that has a stronger supporting cast could help him reach new heights in his career.
Playing alongside other talented players could help take some of the pressure off of Ohtani and allow him to focus on his individual performance. It could also provide him with more opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other elite players, which could help him develop new skills and strategies.
Additionally, being part of a winning team could help Ohtani establish himself as a leader and role model within the organization, which could further enhance his reputation and marketability. Ultimately, joining a team with a strong supporting cast could be the key to unlocking Ohtani’s full potential and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history.
Injury Concerns
Ohtani has had a few injury concerns during his time in MLB, which is always a risk for a player who both pitches and hits regularly. Signing with a team that has a more conservative approach to managing players’ workloads could help him stay healthy for longer.
This is especially important for Ohtani, who has already undergone Tommy John surgery and missed significant time due to injury. A team with a strong medical staff and a history of effectively managing player health could be a good fit for Ohtani.
Additionally, if he were to join a team with a deep roster, he may not be relied upon to play every day, which could also help him avoid overuse and potential injury. It will be interesting to see which teams prioritize Ohtani’s health and how that factors into his decision-making process.
Offensive Limitations
Despite his incredible power, Ohtani has struggled with consistency at the plate. He has also shown some struggles against left-handed pitching, which could limit his offensive production over the long term. Signing with a team that has a better lineup balance and can help him work on his offensive game could help him reach his full potential.
Pitching Load
Ohtani has been used sparingly as a pitcher in recent years, with the Angels being cautious about his workload. Signing with a team that has a greater need for pitching and is willing to let him pitch more often could help him continue to develop as a pitcher.
In addition, it will be interesting to see if any teams try to utilize Ohtani in a hybrid role, where he can both pitch and hit regularly. This could be a risky strategy, as it would require a significant amount of planning and management to ensure that he doesn’t get overworked or injured.
Branding Opportunities
Ohtani is a massive star in Japan and could potentially become an even bigger international sensation with the right marketing opportunities. Signing with a team that has a strong presence in Japan and is willing to help him expand his brand could be beneficial for both the player and the team.
Financial Considerations
While Ohtani will undoubtedly be offered a massive contract by the Angels, signing with another team could potentially lead to a more lucrative deal, especially if that team has a greater need for his unique skill set.
However, it’s important to note that money may not be the only factor in Ohtani’s decision. He may prioritize the opportunity to play for a winning team, the chance to work with a certain pitching coach, or the location of the team. It will be interesting to see what factors Ohtani values most and how they will ultimately impact his decision. Regardless of where he ends up, Ohtani is sure to be a game-changer in MLB and an exciting player to watch.
In conclusion, while the Angels have been fortunate to have a player like Ohtani on their team, there are many reasons why he should consider signing with another team after the 2023 season. A change of scenery could help him reach new heights in his career, and there are several teams that would be lucky to have him on their roster.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
