Ohtani’s agent on contract talk: ‘One day at a time’
TEMPE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani is open to potential negotiations with the Angels on a long-term extension throughout Spring Training, his agent, Nez Balelo, stated Monday, however that it may very well be powerful to barter in the course of the season and that Ohtani has earned the best to check free company if a deal can’t be reached.
“I’ve said this many times, and Shohei has said it as well,” Balelo stated. “We actually take it daily, sooner or later at a time. I’ve at all times needed him to benefit from the journey that he is on. I’ve needed him to embrace it. That’s what he is accomplished. We’re going to proceed that.
“Shohei’s earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency, and we will see where that shakes out.”
Balelo wouldn’t characterize the state of talks between the perimeters, however he did say that it may be tough to increase negotiations into the common season due to the way it may have an effect on the participant.
“It’s a fine line when you ask a player to go through that during the season,” Balelo stated. “Typically it doesn’t happen. I would just say it’s tough to be able to have a discussion that will be so meaningful during the season. It probably makes more sense to table it until the end of the season.”
Ohtani and the Angels lately averted arbitration by agreeing on a $30 million contract for the 2023 season, the most important contract for an arbitration-eligible participant in Major League historical past, however the two-way star will grow to be a free agent at season’s finish.
“Shohei has been here five years,” Balelo stated. “This is his final year, and now we have free agency, so of course there are going to be a lot of questions. What does he want to do? Where’s he going to go?”
The Angels haven’t made the playoffs throughout Ohtani’s 5 seasons, even with Angels’ All-Star Mike Trout on the roster and a payroll that was simply south of $200 million in 2022. Their projected payroll is $193 million this season.
“He’s so competitive, like all great players, so of course they want to experience the postseason,” Balelo said. “Is that the deciding factor? I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
Some have speculated that Ohtani, 28, might grow to be Major League Baseball’s first $500 million man, though Balelo wouldn’t go there, calling that “just someone’s opinion.” Trout stays the best paid participant within the recreation after signing a 12-year, $426.5 million contract in 2019.
“Shohei is an Angel. He’s going to be an Angel all year,” Balelo stated. “He’s thrilled about it. Perry [Minasian, general manager] has put together a really good team, so we’re excited about what is to come in ’23.”
