The Los Angeles Angels recently released their promotional schedule for the 2023 campaign.
Fans always want to know about the “special” games in which there will be giveaways of specific items.
There are three different pieces with Shohei Ohtani‘s image on it: the 13-strikeouts bobblehead on April 8, the Ohtani clear bag on April 9, and the Ohtani shirt day on April 22.
There is also the Ohtani/Trout blanket on April 25.
After that, the two-way star mysteriously disappears from the promotional calendar.
“For what it’s worth, the Angels’ promotional schedule does not include any Shohei Ohtani giveaways beyond the trade deadline,” insider Bill Shaikin tweeted.
For what it's worth, the Angels' promotional schedule does not include any Shohei Ohtani giveaways beyond the trade deadline.https://t.co/SPYwAjF8F3
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) November 16, 2022
The Angels decided they wouldn’t be trading Ohtani ahead of the 2023 season.
The Angels Are Going For It, But…
They are going for it, and that’s probably why they brought in pitcher Tyler Anderson on a three-year deal.
However, they might not be 100 percent convinced they will be fighting for a playoff spot come trade deadline day.
Otherwise, logic indicates they might have prepared more Ohtani-related giveaways for the second half, particularly after the deadline.
Ohtani is one of the most sought-after commodities in the trade market.
He just had a 2.33 ERA in 166 frames in 2022, and also slashed .273/.356/.519 with 34 home runs and 95 RBI as a hitter.
Those numbers would prompt any contender to pay a worthwhile price in the form of prospects to get Ohtani if the Angels are out of it.
The fact Ohtani is not part of the second half promotions (Trout appears on a pair after the break and the deadline, so there is that) tells us that if they are not in contention, the Angels will seriously consider trading Ohtani.
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