Shohei Ohtani is in a contract season with the Los Angeles Angels. The dual-threat star has been a force both at the dish and on the mound, which helped him win MVP honors in 2021.

Last year, he finished runner-up while also being a finalist for the Cy Young. The Angels are hoping they can keep that talent on the West Coast for years to come.

Ohtani hits the open market after 2023, and many are skeptical that Los Angeles will pony up the funds to keep him on the roster. Instead, a number of folks around the MLB project that he’ll wind up with the Dodgers or the Mets, who are more than willing to spend top dollar.

But maybe there’s hope for fans of the organization.

After all, they were able to keep Mike Trout in LA for not one, but two extensions. His most recent contract is worth $426.5 million over 12 seasons, with the Angels dishing out more than $35 million a year. He’s also been adamant on keeping Shohei Ohtani on the team.

If the front office was willing to pay Trout, maybe they’ll be open to writing a check for Ohtani, too.

Many foresee his next deal being worth even more than his teammate’s, likely going north of $500 million. Unfortunately, Ohtani’s most recent comments haven’t instilled much confidence in the fanbase.

When asked if he was open to a contract extension with the Angels, he said the following.

Baseball fans were quick to comment on Shohei Ohtani’s reluctancy to commit to his future in Los Angeles.

One person wrote, “That’s a funny way of saying no.”

Another said, “Future Los Angeles Dodger sadly.”

The reaction was far from done.

Many believe his talents are being wasted in Los Angeles.

This will be a major storyline throughout the 2023 season. We’ll soon see how much the Angels want to keep Shohei Ohtani in LA.