MLB star Shohei Ohtani will play out the 2023 season with his current team, the Los Angeles Angels.
Well, he will start the season with them at least.
What happens next will depend on several factors.
If the Angels are contending come the trade deadline, they will keep the two-way phenom as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
If they are out of the race and haven’t found common ground for an extension, they could look to trade him in anticipation of him hitting free agency after the World Series.
In any of these scenarios, particularly the one in which he becomes a free agent when the 2023 campaign ends, the San Diego Padres will be very much involved.
If that’s the case and they happen to get the 2021 AL MVP to sign, the Padres lineup next season would be something to behold.
With the reports the Padres are "all-in" on Shohei Ohtani next offseason, here's what their lineup could look like with him in it 👀 pic.twitter.com/rneJgbAWH4
— The Game Day MLB (@TheGameDayMLB) March 1, 2023
Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Ohtani, and Xander Bogaerts are the first five hitters.
That five-batter stretch would be an absolute nightmare for opposing pitchers.
The first four hitters are all capable of hitting 30 home runs per year, and Bogaerts might be the best for batting average while contributing between 15 and 25 blasts.
The most impressive thing is that there are great hitters after them: Jake Cronenworth is an amazing player, and both Ha-Seong Kim and Aaron Nola carry potential.
Trent Grisham is an elite fielder with power and speed.
While it’s entirely possible, it seems unlikely the Padres end up with the winning bid, though.
They spent $280 million on Bogaerts and $350 million on Machado this offseason alone.
It could take close to $500 million to secure Ohtani.
If they pull it off, there is almost no way they miss the playoffs and they would become NL West favorites in 2024.
NEXT: Padres Fans Showed Up To See A Returning Star
