Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was named the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player, as expected. It is the second time in the last three years that he's been named the AL MVP. He was also a unanimous winner of the award this year, becoming the first player ever to be chosen unanimously twice. Ohtani became the 29th player in history to win multiple MVPs since 1931. As a designated hitter, Ohtani led the AL in home runs with 44 and also led the league in on-base percentage (.412) and total bases (325) and also led all of baseball in slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.066) and OPS+ (184). On the mound, the 29-year-old righty had a 3.14 ERA, 142 ERA+ and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings over 23 starts. His bWAR of 10.0 was the best of his career.

The Chicago Cubs pursued two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani back in 2017 before he signed with the Los Angeles Angels, and now that he's on the open market again, the Cubs are eyeing him once again, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Cubs just hired widely respected manager Craig Counsell and have payroll coming off the books in the form of Jason Heyward ($21 million) and Cody Bellinger ($17.5 million), leaving money for a massive deal. "Ohtani would own Wrigley Field, literally," one National League scout joked about his potential salary. "He'd own Chicago, for sure." The Cubs were under the luxury tax threshold in 2023, ranking 11th in payroll.

At least one rival executive views the Toronto Blue Jays as a sleeper for free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani this offseason. Any plans the Blue Jays had to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette to massive extensions might be on hold now. George Springer's six-year, $150 million contract expires after 2026, and the team remains in need of left-handed power. However, if Ohtani's priority is winning, he might prefer a team outside the highly competitive American League East. For now, it's all speculation. Ohtani is believed to prefer the West Coast, which has made the Los Angeles Dodgers the betting favorite to land his services this offseason.

Free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) is the San Francisco Giants' No. 1 target this offseason. One agent who spoke with the San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea during the general manager meetings last week called the Giants a "natural fit" for Ohtani, especially because of their location on the West Coast. Ohtani isn't the only big-name free agent from Asia that the Giants are planning to pursue this winter, though. San Francisco has "serious interest" in Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee as they seek an answer in center field. If the Giants are going to land the biggest prize on the open market, they are going to have to outbid the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, who are viewed as the favorites for Ohtani.

ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported Monday that free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) "might be open to a short-term deal with an exceedingly high average annual value." While initial talks heading into the offseason revolved around Ohtani potentially signing the biggest contract in baseball history, a short-term deal could increase his number of potential suitors. This option may be more appealing than it once was, as Ohtani won't pitch in 2024 after undergoing elbow surgery late this season. A short-term deal could allow him to seek an enormous long-term deal in 2025 should he return to both hitting and pitching. The record for annual value is $43.3 million, which Ohtani would likely break. However, that contract could be offered by more than the current front-runners of the Dodgers, Giants, and Rangers if a one-year deal is in the realm of possibility.

The consensus around the league is that the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to land free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) this offseason because they cleared the payroll space to accommodate him, they are consistent winners and may hold a geographic advantage. The Los Angeles Angels are interested in re-signing him, and the San Diego Padres are also in the mix. The Padres aren't likely to trade Soto now, but that could change if the Padres were to sign Ohtani. The New York Yankees, New York Mets and other big-market teams will check in with the Japanese superstar, but some believe he's reluctant to live in New York.

The Chicago Cubs could reportedly be the most aggressive team for free-agent two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow). Ohtani, who will not pitch in 2024 following a UCL procedure, will surely have several suitors on the open market, but the Cubs appear ready to pounce on the two-way star. It wouldn't be the first big splash of the offseason for the North Siders, who shocked the baseball world by luring in manager Craig Counsell on a record-breaking deal. Ohtani hit .304 with 44 home runs, 20 stolen bases, 102 runs, and 95 RBI across 599 plate appearances in 2023 while authoring a 3.14 ERA and 31.5% strikeout rate across 23 starts on the mound before being shut down with the elbow injury. His free-agent contract could possibly exceed $500 million and become the richest contract of all time.

The Los Angeles Angels officially extended a $20.325 million qualifying offer to two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow), which means they'll be eligible for draft-pick compensation if Ohtani signs with another team this offseason. Ohtani will reject the offer before the Nov. 14 deadline because he's seeking a long-term deal and will make more than that annually. He's likely to win the American League MVP award this year for the second time in three seasons and is expected to command a record-breaking contract on the free-agent market. The 29-year-old Japanese sensation hit .304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs, 26 doubles, eight triples, 20 steals and 95 RBI in 135 games in 2023. He also went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 167 K's in 132 innings (23 starts) as a pitcher. Ohtani also had surgery for a torn UCL and will not pitch at all in 2024.

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) underwent successful elbow surgery on Tuesday. This was not Tommy John surgery, but it will still limit the two-way superstar to designated hitter duties in 2024. Ohtani won't pitch at all next season, but is expected to be able to hit at the beginning of the 2024 season. At least Ohtani will be able to contribute in some way next season. The expectation is that Ohtani will be able to resume his two-way hitting and pitching during the 2025 season.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter/starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (oblique) has been placed on the 10-day injured list and will be out for the remainder of the regular season. The 29-year-old superstar was also diagnosed with a torn UCL in his right elbow last month but was still serving as the Angels' DH up until September 4, when he strained his oblique. He's now done for the regular season, and most likely, has played his last game as a member of the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani will hit free agency for the first time this offseason and will have no shortage of bidders, despite the fact his elbow will require surgery at some point. Despite missing the final month of the regular season, he's still the odds-on favorite to take home his second AL MVP. He'll end the year with a .304/.412/.654 batting line to go along with 44 homers, 95 RBI, and 20 stolen bases over 599 plate appearances. As a pitcher, he put up a 10-5 record, 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 167:55 K/BB ratio over 132 innings (23 starts). Just ridiculous.

Los Angeles Angels outfielder/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (oblique) cleared out his locker at Angel Stadium on Friday. The Angels will offer a statement on the 29-year-old's situation on Saturday, as Jeff Fletcher notes that they are aware of this development. Ohtani was last seen in Anaheim's lineup on Sep. 3 before straining his oblique during batting practice on Sep. 4. The Angels could be preparing to turn their attention toward Ohtani's likely surgery to repair his torn UCL, as well as his impending free agency this winter. If this indeed signals a wrap for Ohtani in 2023, then what a show the two-way superstar put on. The AL MVP front runner hit .304 (151-for-497) with an AL-best .412 OBP, 44 home runs and eight triples to go with 95 RBI, 102 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. As a pitcher, he garnered a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, and 167:55 K:BB over 132 innings. The Halos will clear things up later on Saturday.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (oblique, elbow) is still out of the lineup Friday night against the Detroit Tigers. Ohtani last played on Sept. 3 in Oakland and it's looking increasingly likely that he may not make it back this season. There has been no word that the Angels plan to shut him down, but time is quickly running out for him to make a return. It's been a rough end to the season for Ohtani, who has been relegated to just hitting duties due to him tearing his UCL.

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow, oblique) remains out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners. Ohtani was slated to return on Monday, but was scratched ahead of the contest. The 29-year-old will miss Tuesday's game as well, which makes nine straight games that Ohtani has sat out. The team continues to list Ohtani as day-to-day, but it seems increasingly likely that he'll head to the injured list. Matt Thaiss will bat sixth and serve as the designated hitter versus right-hander Bryan Woo on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (oblique, elbow) was scratched from Monday's starting lineup against the Seattle Mariners. Mike Moustakas is now serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup against Mariners right-hander Logan Gilbert. It looked like the 29-year-old two-way superstar was going to return to action for the first time in a week due to a tight right oblique, but instead he'll miss yet another game to begin the week. The Japanese All-Star should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups whenever he does return, as he's still leading the league in home runs (44), triples (eight), on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654), OPS (1.066) and total bases (325) in 599 plate appearances as a hitter in 2023.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (oblique) is back in the starting lineup for Monday's series opener against the Mariners and right-hander Logan Gilbert. Oblique inflammation has sidelined the two-way star for the last week but he will return and hit second Monday night in Seattle. Of course, it's been a massive season for Ohtani who has hit .304 with 44 home runs and 20 stolen bases across 599 plate appearances while tossing a 3.14 ERA along with a 31.5% K% across 132 innings on the mound. While he won't pitch for the remainder of the 2023 season due to an elbow issue, Ohtani appears set to reclaim everyday DH duties when healthy down the stretch.

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (oblique) may start in Seattle on Monday, according to manager Phil Nevin. Nevin also said Ohtani could be available off the bench Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians. The all-world player last played Sep 3 and has been out with oblique inflammation. The Angels have been cautious with Ohtani this week, considering him day-to-day each game but electing not to play him. Fantasy managers are surely hoping to have Ohtani back in the playoffs as he could carry a lineup to victory if he were to get hot.

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow, oblique) remains out of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. This marks the sixth game in a row that Ohtani has missed due to inflammation in his right oblique. The right-hander is also dealing with a UCL tear in his elbow that will require surgery. The Angels were hopeful that Ohtani could keep hitting even with the elbow issue. At this point, the team should probably shut down Ohtani for the season. The Halos aren't in the playoff picture, so there's no reason to risk Ohtani getting even more injured. For now, Ohtani is considered as day-to-day, but we'll see how long that lasts. Matt Thaiss will serve as the designated hitter and bat fifth versus right-hander Lucas Giolito on Saturday.

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow, oblique) remains out of the starting lineup for Friday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. The 29-year-old will miss his fifth game in a row as he continues to nurse an oblique issue. Ohtani is expected to undergo elbow surgery at the end of the season, so he already wasn't pitching. At this point, the Angels might as well just shut him down for the season and allow Ohtani to get healthy. It remains to be seen if the Angels plan to do that. In the meantime, Chad Wallach will serve as the designated hitter and bat sixth versus left-hander Logan Allen on Friday.

Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin said that two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (oblique, elbow) didn't end up taking any swings like he had planned on Wednesday. Ohtani went to the batting cages to loosen up, but felt that he needed to take the night off. However, Nevin said the team still isn't considering putting Ohtani on the injured list at the moment while he deals with a minor right-oblique injury. The 29-year-old Japanese All-Star is also dealing with a right-elbow injury that will require an offseason procedure, but the Angels think Ohtani can finish out the year as their primary designated hitter. Fantasy managers should continue to consider Ohtani day-to-day and check to see if he's in Thursday's starting lineup against the Cleveland Guardians.

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (oblique, elbow) remains out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. Ohtani felt something in his right oblique while taking batting practice and has been held out since, but he's managed to avoid going on the injured list for now and is considered day-to-day after tests showed just some minor inflammation. Of course, the 29-year-old Japanese All-Star is also dealing with a right-elbow injury that is going to eventually require an offseason procedure that could keep him from pitching all of the 2024 season. Plenty of teams will still be interested in the free-agent to be, but it will surely affect his value on the open market. Ohtani currently leads the league in homers (44), runs (102), triples (eight), walks (91), on-base percentage (.412), OPS (1.066) and total bases (325), so hopefully he can return as the Angels DH on Thursday against the Guardians.