Japanese star Ohtani picks Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Shohei Ohtani has decided that he is on the side of the Angels.

The Japanese star announced Friday he will sign with the Los Angeles Angels, ending the sweepstakes surrounding his move to the American major leagues in a surprising destination.

Ohtani intends to be both a starting pitcher and an everyday power hitter. He will join two-time MVP Mike Trout and slugger Albert Pujols with the Angels, who are coming off their second consecutive losing season.

The Angels’ combination of a promising core and West Coast location clearly appealed to the 23-year-old Ohtani.

Ohtani’s agent, Nez 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.”

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.

Ohtani received serious attention from the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers, who both could have given him more money than the Angels. He listened to his suitors’ final pitches in Los Angeles before choosing the Angels.

Angels general manager Billy Eppler has spent several years scouting Ohtani, ever since his previous job with the New York Yankees.

“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.”