Shohei Ohtani has a great season at the plate and on the mound. Here are some of his top 2021 highlights. (1:30)
SEATTLE -- Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels' star, said Sunday that he was "very open" for negotiations to conclude a long-term deal with the club in the offseason.
Ohtani spoke in Seattle before the Angels' regular season finale. Ohtani could have pitched the final day of the regular season, but he chose to skip that final start. He was designated hitter, leading the Angels' lineup in the final game of an AL MVP season.
"Of course, I will be open to negotiation. Ohtani spoke through an interpreter. "The team has supported me for the entire four years and I'm truly grateful for that," Ohtani stated. "Whether there are any contract extensions, I just want to, as I said earlier be ready and be prepared for next season."
Ohtani, who is in his fourth season with the Angels, has been signed to a $8.5 million, two year contract. It will pay $5.5 million next season. If the rules of the collective bargaining agreement expires on Dec. 1, Ohtani is eligible to receive salary arbitration and free agency after the 2022 season.
After going 9-2 and a 3.18 ERA in 23 innings of work, Ohtani was the AL MVP presumptive winner. He also hit 45 home runs.
Ohtani stated that she was happy to have completed the season without any injuries. "I honestly wish I could have done this season sooner. It was my fourth year so it took me a bit too long.
However, Ohtani's expectations for the team on the field have not been met since he arrived in Japan from Japan's Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. For the fourth consecutive season, the Angels will finish fourth in the AL West despite being hampered by injuries to Mike Trout or Anthony Rendon. Los Angeles has not posted a record of more than.500 since Ohtani's arrival.
Ohtani stated, "I think the most important thing is the men that we have right now. We need an offseason to stay healthy the entire next year so that we could compete." "Any addition during offseason, I will be looking forward to all the additions they make."
