Who needs Shohei Ohtani the most?
Trade rumors have swirled around the Angels' two-way superstar, who is set to become a free agent after the season. Clearly, Ohtani would make an impact on any team -- but for which squad would that impact be the greatest?
Without considering a potential trade return, we asked 10 MLB.com writers to pick their ideal destination for Ohtani if he were to be on the move at the Aug. 1 Trade Deadline. Here are the results.
1. Rays
First of all, just take a moment to envision Ohtani wearing a Rays uniform. Does that look weird? Yes.
But if Ohtani’s main objective is to win, playing for the team leading the toughest division in baseball should sound desirable. The need is evident as the Rays have been leaking oil for a while and require reinforcements just about everywhere.
Many of the hitters who helped author the club’s historic start this season -- Wander Franco, Taylor Walls, Jose Siri, Josh Lowe, etc. -- have gone cold over the past handful of weeks. In the rotation, Drew Rasmussen is now officially done for 2023, joining Jeffrey Springs. Tyler Glasnow’s health is seemingly always tenuous, and rookie Taj Bradley, although he has an extremely bright future, is experiencing a bumpy debut year.
Acquiring Ohtani -- and Tampa Bay has the prospects to make it happen -- would provide a huge jolt to a lineup that desperately needs one and couple him with AL Cy Young Award candidate Shane McClanahan.
It would also really help if Ohtani could pitch in relief, but hey, he would at least shore up most of the roster and aid the Rays’ push for their first World Series title.