The Los Angeles Angels have long been a staple of Major League Baseball, beloved by fans in Orange County and beyond. Despite having some of the game’s brightest stars, the franchise has faced challenges on and off the field. Most notably, pivotal decisions around superstar Shohei Ohtani have left the team—and their supporters—wondering what could have been.

Shohei Ohtani: The One Who Got Away

The Angels landed a once-in-a-generation talent in Shohei Ohtani, a two-way phenom who quickly became the face of the franchise. However, as The Athletic points out, the organization struggled to build a winning team around him. Instead of leveraging his presence for global attention and financial growth, the team’s ownership made a series of decisions that kept the Angels from contending. Many believe that missed opportunities to either sign Ohtani long-term or trade him for high-value prospects set the franchise back years.

Blockbuster Trades That Never Were

The 2022 trade deadline was a critical moment. According to a report from Yahoo Sports, the front office had serious discussions with the San Diego Padres about an Ohtani trade. That deal could have brought promising talent such as Jackson Merrill to Anaheim. Instead, the Angels held onto Ohtani, hoping his presence would lead to a playoff push. Unfortunately, that run never materialized, and Ohtani eventually crossed town to the Dodgers.

Impact on the Franchise and Its Fans

Letting Shohei Ohtani walk for only a draft pick was tough for Angels fans. Even more, the arrival of Ohtani on the Dodgers—where he immediately helped win a World Series—served as a harsh reminder of the Angels' missteps. As The Athletic highlights, the club also missed out on increasing its appeal to Japanese players and fans, something that the Dodgers have since capitalized on with great success.

There is now increasing pressure from the Angels’ faithful and the wider baseball world for owner Arte Moreno to consider selling the franchise. Some outlets, such as Athlon Sports, underscore the growing calls for change at the top.

What’s Next for the Los Angeles Angels?

While recent years have been marked by disappointment, the Angels still boast a promising core, including players like Zach Neto and Logan O’Hoppe. To reclaim their status, the team must learn from past mistakes, invest in youth, and rebuild trust with the fanbase. Strong leadership and a clear plan for the future will be vital for the Angels as they chart a new path forward.

Conclusion

The story of the Los Angeles Angels is one of missed chances but also of resilience and hope. As the team looks to the future, the lessons from the Ohtani era will be crucial in shaping a new chapter—one fueled by smarter decisions and renewed commitment to winning baseball. Fans can only hope that brighter days are ahead for Anaheim’s proud franchise.