Angels Extend Qualifying Offer To Ohtani

Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani

In a significant move, the Los Angeles Angels have officially extended a qualifying offer to the two-way superstar, Shohei Ohtani.

The offer, valued at $20.325 million for the 2024 season, was made ahead of Monday's 2 p.m. PT deadline. This means that the Angels will be eligible for Draft-pick compensation should Ohtani decide to sign with another team this offseason.

However, it is widely anticipated that Ohtani will reject this offer before the November 14 deadline. The 29-year-old player is seeking a long-term deal that offers him more substantial compensation annually. 

Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani

Having demonstrated his remarkable talents in the 2023 season, Ohtani is poised to command a record-breaking contract in the upcoming free agency. Ohtani's impressive performance in 2023 as a designated hitter included a slash line of .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs, 26 doubles, eight triples, 20 stolen bases, and 95 RBIs in 135 games. 

On the pitching mound, he achieved a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA and an impressive 167 strikeouts in 132 innings. Unfortunately, Ohtani suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament during a start on August 23, leading to surgery in September. 

This injury will prevent him from pitching in the 2024 season, but there is optimism that he will return to his two-way status in 2025. The Angels have made re-signing Ohtani their top priority for this offseason, although they face the challenge of addressing other roster needs. 

The team is coming off an 89-loss season and is actively searching for a new manager to lead them into the future.

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