In the biggest MLB signing in recent memory, pitcher-fielder-hitter Shohei Ohtani joins the Los Angeles Angels.
Courtesy: USA Today
Shohei Ohtani is the talk of baseball. That’s saying something for a player who has displayed his ample talents for a team most Americans had never heard of — the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan.
What’s the reason for the hype? It’s simple. Ohtani gained fame as a multi-positional player–as a great pitcher and as a solid fielder and hitter. Numbers tell the story. Over the past five seasons, Ohtani is 42-15 as a pitcher with a 2.52 ERA and 10.9 SO/9. During the same timeframe, Ohtani batted .286 with 48 homers and 166 RBI.
Now the biggest name in Japanese baseball is headed to MLB. The only question was which team would sign Ohtani. Many teams tried, too, including the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, and Padres. But the LA Angels eventually won “the Ohtani sweepstakes.” And that coup could re-position LAA as the team to beat in the AL West and, possibly, beyond.
Courtesy: OC Register
While the Angels have had the best player in baseball in Mike Trout, Los Angeles hasn’t been able to assemble a highly competitive squad. They’ve certainly tried with players like Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, and Brandon Phillips. But none of those players elevated the Halos into competitive postseason play–except during the 2014 season. But, even then, LAA was swept in the Division Series by the KC Royals.
The signing of Ohtani brings LAA a big-time talent and hope. But the big question is where will Ohtani play? Will he be a starting pitcher? If so, then will he be eligible as DH on his off-days? And, even if Ohtani becomes the Angels’ DH, can Albert Pujols (the current DH) become a reliable 1st baseman?
No matter how those questions get answered, Shohei Ohtani’s signing was huge for the Angeles. LAA finally has a player with comparable talent playing alongside Mike Trout. With youth and elite baseball potential, those two players should make the Angels a dominant team for years to come.
