MLB insider doesn't think the Angels will trade Shohei Ohtani before phenom draws $500,000,000 offers as a free agent

After the 2023 season, Shohei Ohtani will see his one-year, $30 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels expire. As such, he is expected to draw contract offers in the realm of $500 million when he finally hits the market.

Long-term issues with the Angels have turned any possibility of him remaining with the team highly unlikely. In addition to the front office appearing lukewarm on a long-term deal, the franchise has not won a playoff game since 2009, and Ohtani understandably wants to go to a team that has a chance to win a World Series in the next five seasons.

"Sho strikeout three. Shohei Ohtani throws strikeout number 3 with a 87.9 MPH cutter during the 2nd inning against Tucupita Marcano of the Pirates at the Big A. Credit: Ballys" - Anaheim Sports

With these considerations in mind, a theory has recently emerged that the team might trade their superstar. Hypothetically, this would allow the Angels to ensure that they can at least get something for the departing star.

But at least one MLB analyst has spoken out against this theory. Ben Verlander, brother of New York Mets hurler Justin Verlander, has long been a fan of Ohtani. Lately, Verlander has become one of the most steadfast deniers that the Angels will trade Ohtani. On a recent episode on his podcast, Flippin Bats, Ben told co-host Alex Curry:

"He's here to stay! Here to Stay! This is not his last start as an Angels player."

Verlander's comments came ahead of Ohtani's scheduled start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. Although Ohtani surrendered four home runs, his team was able to hold on to the victory by a score of 8-5. With the Angels now having won four in a row, perhaps Verlander's theory that says Ohtani will not depart Anaheim before or on the August 1 MLB trade deadline is back up.

Los Angeles Angels need to remember the value that Shohei Ohtani brings

The owner of the team, Arte Moreno, has already gone on record to say he does not want to be remembered as the owner who greenlighted the trade of the best player ever.

While this is true, the effect that having a player like Shohei Ohtani has had on the value of the Angels franchise is more than anyone can measure. In all likelihood, the Angels will cling to their superstar for as long as they possibly can do so.