Ohtani's agent talks about two-way star's future

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Shohei Ohtani is open to potential negotiations with the Angels on a long-term extension during Spring Training, his agent, Nez Balelo, said Monday, but that it could be tough to negotiate during the season and that Ohtani has earned the right to test free agency if a deal can’t be reached.

“I've said this many times, and Shohei has said it as well,” Balelo said. “We really take it day by day, one day at a time. I've always wanted him to enjoy the ride that he's on. I've wanted him to embrace it. That's what he's done. We're going to continue that.

“Shohei's earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency, and we will see where that shakes out.”

Balelo would not characterize the state of talks between the sides, but he did say that it can be difficult to extend negotiations into the regular season because of how it might affect the player.

“It’s a fine line when you ask a player to go through that during the season,” Balelo said. “Typically it doesn’t happen. I would just say it’s tough to be able to have a discussion that will be so meaningful during the season. It probably makes more sense to table it until the end of the season.”

Ohtani and the Angels recently avoided arbitration by agreeing on a $30 million contract for the 2023 season, the largest contract for an arbitration-eligible player in Major League history, but the two-way star will become a free agent at season’s end.

“Shohei has been here five years,” Balelo said. “This is his final year, and now we have free agency, so of course there are going to be a lot of questions. What does he want to do? Where's he going to go?”

The Angels have not made the playoffs during Ohtani’s five seasons, even with Angels’ All-Star Mike Trout on the roster and a payroll that was just south of $200 million in 2022. Their projected payroll is $193 million this season.

“He's so competitive, like all great players, so of course they want to experience the postseason," Balelo said. "Is that the deciding factor? I don't know. We'll just have to wait and see.”

Some have speculated that Ohtani, 28, could become Major League Baseball’s first $500 million man, although Balelo would not go there, calling that “just someone’s opinion.” Trout remains the highest paid player in the game after signing a 12-year, $426.5 million contract in 2019.

“Shohei is an Angel. He’s going to be an Angel all year,” Balelo said. “He’s thrilled about it. Perry [Minasian, general manager] has put together a really good team, so we’re excited about what is to come in ’23.”