SF Giants News: Two-way star officially off of the trade market

If you were waiting to see Shohei Ohtani wearing a different uniform, you might have to wait a little longer. The Los Angeles Angels have told teams that the two-way star and oft-connected SF Giants target is officially off of the trade market according to Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated.

SF Giants News: Two-way star officially off of the trade market

The Angels further cemented this stance on Wednesday night after swinging a trade to acquire both Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo López from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for a pair of prospects. Despite long odds, the Angels intend to compete for a playoff spot this season.

Prior to the decision to pull him off of the market, some wild trade proposals were being made. This included the Giants where they would trade half of their farm system for Ohtani. It bears mentioning that the 29-year-old is scheduled to hit free agency this winter, so there was a case to be made that trading for him would not be in the team's best interest.

If Ohtani did stay in the trade block, the Angels committed to, at least, not trading him to one division rival. That is all a moot point now as Ohtani will remain with the club until the end of the season with the hopes of sneaking into the playoffs.

The news must have been well-received by the power-hitting pitcher. Ohtani had a landmark day on Thursday as he pitched a shutout against the Detroit Tigers in the 6-0 victory. This was only the first game of the double-header. The left-handed bat then blasted two home runs in the second game of the double-header in an 11-4 win. It is just remarkable what he can do on a baseball field.

Ohtani should win the AL MVP award with ease in 2023 as he has posted a 3.43 ERA in 20 starts. Plus, he leads baseball in several offensive categories including home runs (38), slugging percentage (.675), and OPS (1.075).

The Angels will now spend the next several months convincing Ohtani to stay in Los Angeles beyond 2023. They will have an exclusive negotiating window with him leading into free agency, but his next contract will be heavily influenced by the market. There is an expectation that he will set a record with his next contract with the Giants likely being in the mix.