Mike Trout Ready To Do "Everything I Can" To Keep Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani is set to hit free agency after the 2023 season, and after five years of being out of the playoffs, it's widely expected that Ohtani will look to take his unique talents elsewhere for 2024. But not if his fellow superstar with the Los Angeles Angels has anything to say about it.

Mike Trout: ‘I’m going to do everything I can to keep Shohei (Ohtani) here.’

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 15, 2023

On Shohei Ohtani, the Angels’ hopes to retain him and Mike Trout’s plan to help … pic.twitter.com/9PcPsj53GN

— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) February 15, 2023

"He's gotta do what's right for him," said Trout as the Angels gathered for their first spring workouts. "It's a big decision for him, probably the biggest one of his life... (But) "I'm going to do whatever I can to keep him here."

ESPN's Alden Gonzalez notes that Trout and Ohtani have built a very good relationship over the years, and says, indeed, "the Angels are gonna do whatever it takes to bring him back and re-sign him... And the Angels believe they have as good a chance as anybody."

Nevertheless, trade rumors will be flying all season, particularly if the Angels are, as usual, not in the playoff race by the time of the trade deadline. But as Trout also added today, "if there's ever a time for us to get into the playoffs, it's going to be right now."

Nothing will convince Shohei to stay around more than the thought that he's with an actual playoff contender. 

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports