Do the LA Angels Have a Chance at the Japanese Babe Ruth?

The LA Angels, for the first time in a while, have money to spend this offseason. They need a big bat, but they also need a solid rotation arm. Shohei Otani could be both.

The LA Angels were only a few wins away from the postseason. However, it turned out they lacked two major parts of a contender. They lacked a big bat to pair with Mike Trout for most of the year. However, they also never had a true ace on their staff due to injuries to their starting rotation.

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This offseason, they have enough money to get one of those pieces. Mike Moustakas of the Kansas City Royals is an intriguing option to fill the hole at third base. However, Yu Darvish is a tempting option to get a bonafide stud to pair with Garrett Richards. Yet neither of them would have the potential impact that Shohei Otani could have for the Halos.

Otani has been deemed “The Japanese Babe Ruth” by many for his elite level of pitching and ability to be a top tier slugger in the MLB. He is destined to hit the free agency pool this offseason, and could possibly be the most talented player in it. So, do the Halos have a chance at the Japanese legend?

Otani has expressed a desire to play for an American League team so he can pitch while also being the designated hitter. This gives the Halos 14 real competitors as opposed to 29, so a good start. However, there are also rumors that Otani hopes to play with fellow Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. If the Halos can sign Darvish, it would greatly improve their chances at Otani.

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The Angels were not one of the teams to go to Japan and scout Otani. Despite this, the Angels could still be contenders if they can sign Darvish. The offseason will be interesting for the Halos, and Otani’s landing spot will either help or hurt the Halos.