Ohtani’s Near-Trade Highlights 2023 MLB Deadline Drama

As the 2023 MLB trade deadline approached, the most pressing question circled around Shohei Ohtani’s future.

Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic revealed that the Angels were in serious talks with the Tampa Bay Rays about moving Ohtani to Florida. In return, the Angels were considering acquiring Junior Caminero, Carson Williams, and possibly more.

Rosenthal didn’t specify who else from the Rays could be included but hinted that it would be a lesser prospect. At that time, Williams was known to be a top-100 prospect in baseball, while Caminero ranked as a top-five prospect within the Rays organization.

Although Williams didn’t live up to expectations, Caminero has since emerged as the Rays’ star third baseman, boasting a career .822 OPS, 65 home runs, and an impressive 6.1 WAR.

Additionally, Rosenthal noted that the Angels had explored a trade with the San Diego Padres the previous year. That proposed package, which would have sent star players like James Woods and CJ Abrams to the Angels, ultimately went to the Washington Nationals in the significant Juan Soto trade.

Given the Angels’ dismal record of 17-33 at that point, it seems they could have really used those players.

When the deadline hit, Angels owner Arte Moreno took a decisive step, aiming to persuade Ohtani—who was poised to hit free agency—that the team was serious about competing. They pursued a “buyer” strategy, bringing in players like Lucas Giolito and Randal Grichuk.

However, those moves backfired as the Angels lost their first seven August games, dropping below .500, and ultimately finishing fourth in the American League West with a disappointing 73-89 record. They even had to release some of their recent acquisitions like Giolito and Lopez to manage their budget.