Shohei Ohtani might explore free agency, agent suggests

Shohei Ohtani – Shohei Ohtani (cropped 2) – CC BY-SA

On Monday, Nez Balelo, Shohei Ohtani’s agent, hinted that the Los Angeles Angels star pitcher would likely explore free agency, even if it leads to him returning to the Angels.

Balelo, representing CAA Sports, was asked on Monday if he would be interested in contract extension talks during the upcoming spring training. The former professional player said, “I’ve always been open to it,” adding that there are layers to this option.

Balelo explained that despite Ohtani having earned the right to explore free agency, they did not want to put “the cart before the horse.”

If Ohtani repeats his two past season performances as an exceptional hitter and elite pitcher, he may get a free agent contract in the area of $500 million.

“But there’s several layers to this one, and Shohei’s earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency, and we’ll see where it shakes out.”

Nez Balelo, Shohei Ohtani’s agent

Although the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are the most likely to make a serious offer, other teams like the Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners may enter the bidding if they have the salary cap space.

Previously, the Angels considered trading him last summer and the subsequent offseason. However, they decided to keep him. When asked again if Balelo has had any serious talks with the Angels, Balelo declined to respond.

During his first media conference last week, Ohtani looked indifferent when questioned about playing for the team. However, the CAA Sports baseball co-head said the Japanese star player seems comfortable with the Angels.

Arte Moreno’s unexpected choice to keep the Angels off the market and remain the owner, according to Balelo, made it “business as usual.”

The Angels have only made the playoffs once in the past 13 years, and they last put together a winning season three years before Ohtani’s debut in 2015.

Balelo explained that the 28-year-old pitcher is extremely competitive, as are all great players, and they all want to experience the postseason and participate in the World Series.