After a franchise record 99 losses in 2024, the Los Angeles Angels are amid another last place season. Entering Friday, LA is 17-25, which ranks fifth in the American League West.
This type of season is nothing new for the Angels. They last made the playoffs in 2014, and last won a playoff game in 2009. This drought includes a six-year run with arguably the most talented duo in MLB history: Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.
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Ascending to superstardom in Japan, Ohtani signed with the Angels in 2017. He spent his first six MLB seasons in Anaheim, playing alongside Trout, but the duo never produced an October appearance.
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17)© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
As it became increasingly likely the Angels were not going to re-sign Ohtani in free agency, trade buzz picked up. This began in 2022 and intensified during the final year of his contract. Rather than cashing in on potentially an all-time trade haul, Angels owner Arte Moreno opted to keep Ohtani, and eventually lost him to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency for no return.
A new report has since revealed just how costly that decision was. On Friday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic revealed the Angels could have traded Ohtani to the San Diego Padres in 2022 for a package similar to what the Washington Nationals received for Juan Soto, and potentially even greater.
Among others, the Nationals received MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams and James Wood from San Diego in exchange for Soto. Rosenthal added the Angels may have even been able to land star outfielder Jackson Merrill in exchange for Ohtani.
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Amid this news, Moreno is facing intense backlash from Angels fans, with many urging him to sell the team.
“Arte could’ve had a dream team if he traded Trout and or Ohtani,” said one. “This isn’t surprising, theres tons of these stories about Arte that haven’t made public yet.”
“Not trading Ohtani set back the Angels organization for at least a decade. Sell the team Arte,” added another.
“Newsflash Arte sucks! Come on Arte back away and sell the team,” stated a third.
“ARTE MORENO!!! Sell The Team!!!” one exclaimed.
“CAN WE GET ARTE SELL CHANTS??” asked one.
“I keep saying it Arte Moreno ran the Angels into the ground but the handling of that trade deadline showed just how selfish he is and does not care about winning,” stated another.
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“Honestly, sell the team. I’m so sad,” added one.
Related: Angels Predicted to Make Trade After Season-Ending Announcement
Related: Mike Trout Makes Shohei Ohtani Admission After Six Years as Teammates