Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Japanese star Ohtani chooses the Angels
ANAHEIM » Shohei Ohtani has decided he’s on the side of the Angels. The Japanese two-way star announced Friday he will sign with the Los Angeles Angels, ending the sweepstakes surrounding his move to the majors in a surprising destination.
Ohtani, who intends to be both a starting pitcher and an everyday power hitter, turned down interest from every other big-league club to join two-time MVP Mike Trout and slugger Albert Pujols with the Angels, who are coming off their second consecutive losing season and haven’t won a playoff game since 2009.
The Angels’ combination of a promising core and a beautiful West Coast location clearly appealed to the 23-year-old Ohtani, who has confounded baseball experts at almost every step of his move to North America as one of the most coveted free agents in years.
Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, issued a statement Friday announcing the decision after meeting with several finalists for his services earlier in the week.
Balelo said the 2016 Japanese MVP “felt a true bond with the Angels. He sees this as the best environment to develop and reach the next level and attain his career goals.”
After his unusual courtship, Ohtani will attempt to chart a unique career path as the majors’ first regular two-way player in several decades. Ohtani already has drawn numerous comparisons to Babe Ruth, who excelled as a hitter and a pitcher early in his Hall of Fame career.
Ohtani is expected to be both a right-handed starting pitcher and a left-handed designated hitter for the Angels, who are expected to give him ample playing time in both roles.
He received serious attention from Seattle and Texas, who both could have given him more money than the Angels.
Ohtani listened to his suitors’ final pitches in Los Angeles before choosing the Angels.
“We are honored Shohei Ohtani has decided to join the Angels organization,” the franchise said in a brief statement. “We felt a unique connectivity with him throughout the process and are excited he will become an Angel. This is a special time for Angels fans.”
Giants, Cardinals say no trades for Stanton
SAN FRANCISCO » Giancarlo Stanton has ruled out the San Francisco Giants. St. Louis, too.
The Giants announced they were no longer in the mix to work out a trade for the Marlins slugger and NL MVP after having reached the parameters of a deal with new Miami CEO Derek Jeter and his team.
“Our agreement with the Marlins to acquire Giancarlo Stanton subject to his waiving of the notrade clause will not move forward and it is our understanding that the Marlins and Stanton are exploring other options.”
The Cardinals also said Stanton had declined to accept a deal to St. Louis.
So, the Stanton sweepstakes continues for now — with baseball’s winter meetings set to begin Monday in Orlando, Florida.
Stanton must sign off on any move given the full no-trade clause in his record $325 million, 13-year contract.