Former MLB manager expresses doubts regarding Angels star Shohei Ohtani amid trade rumors - "It's hard, it's a difficult decision"

The intriguing question of whether or not the Los Angeles Angels will trade two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani remains unanswered.

This topic is discussed almost every day among MLB circles, and as the Angels' standing has begun to decline, the conversation has become louder.

Former baseball manager Joe Maddon recently spoke about the Angels' future with Shohei Ohtani:

"With Mikey (Trout) being injured, that might force their hand if they feel like they are going to fall totally out of contention. If they don't trade him, and we get to the conclusion and he goes somewhere else, that is a bad strategy also.

"They will have to continue to think about this. It's hard, it's a difficult decision... you gotta do what's best for your organization."

Los Angeles has lost five straight games and nine of its previous 10 games approaching the All-Star break. Furthermore, the team has suffered from injuries throughout this period.

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Since the arrival of Ohtani in 2017, the Angels have failed to reach the postseason even once. The majority of baseball fans now believe that Ohtani will depart the team at the end of the current campaign when he hits free agency.

Will Shohei Ohtani prioritize his present team?

The Angels need Ohtani now more than ever as they look to make a playoff push. Ohtani is the frontrunner for the MVP award in the midst of yet another stellar season at the plate and on the mound.

Ohtani leads the league with 32 home runs and six triples, while also posting a league-best 1.050 OPS and 182 OPS+.

He's allowing just six hits per innings and boasts a 3.32 ERA across 17 starts.

As the Angels deal with a plethora of injuries, the onus is on Ohtani to try and drag them to wins.