Minasian: ‘There’s a respect level’ between Ohtani, Angels
The Halos have had a busy offseason, bettering their depth, in addition to signing left-hander Tyler Anderson and potential nearer Carlos Estévez to multiyear offers, whereas additionally buying and selling for infielder Gio Urshela and outfielder Hunter Renfroe. Their payroll is at roughly $206 million, which is a step up from final 12 months’s $180 million payroll. But Minasian mentioned that doesn’t imply he’s accomplished including to the roster.
“We’re just trying to put a quality team on the field, nothing has changed,” Minasian mentioned. “Obviously we were really aggressive early in the offseason and we’ve spent more money than we ever have. And I’m appreciative of that. The decision not to sell, I’m not surprised [by it], because I know how much he loves baseball. He loves this team. He loves this organization. And I’m excited.”
Minasian added that he hasn’t been instructed he can’t go above the luxurious tax degree, because the Angels are approaching that mark. For Competitive Balance Tax functions, the Angels’ 40-man payroll sits at roughly $221 million, and the primary tax threshold is $233 million.
“The payroll is at a record number, but with that being said, there’s still opportunities out there to improve that we’re examining, and that’s exciting,” Minasian mentioned. “Last year in Spring Training, we signed two players. So, that’s something that we’ll continue to look at, how to improve the club. We want this to be a great place to be.”
But Minasian wouldn’t say whether or not Moreno’s choice to not promote has had any impact on negotiations with celebrity Shohei Ohtani, who is about to be a free agent after the season. He did say, nonetheless, that Ohtani will make one Cactus League begin with the Angels earlier than heading to Japan on March 1 for the World Baseball Classic.
And Minasian believes Moreno will do no matter he can to attempt to signal Ohtani to a long-term deal.
“He’s obviously invested in this club throughout his whole ownership,” Minasian mentioned. “We’ve been Top 10 in payroll for a long time. So I don’t see that changing. Knowing the individual and knowing how much he wants to win, I don’t believe anything is out of the realm of possibility.”
It’ll in the end be as much as Ohtani whether or not he desires to stay with the Angels, however Minasian did say he has a powerful relationship with the previous American League MVP and his agent, Nez Balelo. The two sides had been capable of keep away from arbitration twice, because the membership signed Ohtani to a two-year deal value $8.5 million earlier than the 2021 season and a one-year deal value $30 million in ’23.
“I think there’s a respect level here,” Minasian mentioned. “He chose to play here. I think that was one of the reasons why he chose to play here. We’ve been able to agree on two deals over the last two years, which is not easy to do. That’s not something that happens too often, especially with a player of his caliber. So, there’s a respect and trust level there that I don’t think will change. And I think the relationship is outstanding.”
Minasian final week FaceTimed with Ohtani, who’s already coaching in Arizona to prepare for the World Baseball Classic and the upcoming season, based on the GM. He additionally mentioned Ohtani has no limitations taking part in for Team Japan and there are not any worries about his preparation for the beginning of the season.
“There’s no restrictions,” Minasian mentioned. “We expect him to play and hit and pitch and do what he does and show the world how good of a player he is.”
