The Rangers no longer need to worry themselves about what prospect haul it would take to acquire Shohei Ohtani.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Tom Verducci, the Angels are taking the two-way superstar off the trade market, electing to go for it in Ohtani’s last year under contract, despite their other star in Mike Trout on the IL and the Angels 3.5 games back of a playoff spot. Per Verducci, the Angels decided on Wednesday to hold onto Ohtani while also becoming buyers at the deadline, which was backed up by the team acquiring Lucas Giolito from the White Sox.
The Rangers were reportedly expected to be among the “most motivated” teams to pursue Ohtani at the deadline, but now, the Rangers have to wait for free agency to determine if they'll pursue the phenom, when Ohtani is expected to net a record contract.