Angels star Ohtani to have elbow surgery

Ohtani played magnificently.

 created speculation he might get a contract for $500 million or more as a free agent this offseason.

Rumors regarding which team will be the highest bidder for Ohtani's services continue to swirl, some think he might end up in Boston where he could join up with Yoshida in hopes the Red Sox become more competitive.

I think Ohtani deserves to be this year's American League MVP, though some are saying because he's missed time the chances are not as good as they had been. Regardless, what an amazing year he's had; what a remarkable talent. Best to Ohtani wherever he plays next season, he's s good for MLB and baseball in general.

This guy has never even won a playoff game,why would is gonna make a difference like Atuve

Collect your 2nd MVP and off to a place where you can win.

We’ll be rooting for ya no matter the uniform.

I think Ohtani deserves to be this year's American League MVP

His combined WAR is 10. The closest to him is Corey Seager at 6.9. Ohtani was so good, I think he should be a shoo in for MVP.

I do wonder how he would fare through a full September and playoff, as we have seen him slow down the latter stages of a season. He isn't fragile, but the pounding his body takes being a pitcher and hitter, along with the mental strain, needs to be balanced, and we need see him post season and excel. Even if he doesn't, his regular season PR value is the highest in MLB, so will be worth getting him for many teams.

As for where he goes. Should be an interesting bidding war. I don't believe the injuries will drive his value down much but the elbow problem should tell teams there is more caution than believing he'll dominate as he has done this season, going forward, as a rule.

I want him in SF.

I wonder if him pitching in the WBC as much as he did, and especially that final game, pitching against Mike Trout in the championship had something to do with his injuries. There is a reason a lot of players don't want to take part in the WBC, since it is at the beginning of the baseball season before they have had time to really get into top condition. I fear these injuries will diminish the contract he will receive now, and perhaps whatever team sings him they will only want him as a batter, and not allow him to pitch!

@MarkX Ohtani not playing for Japan is not a true option for him. It isn't like a choice for US NBA players or MLBers not playing a World Championship. I'm pretty sure he feels he has a duty to the game and Japan, so his presence was a requirement for Ohtani.

Head up Ohtani! You are great. We know you play baseball. But rest and get heathy. The Japanese people are proud of you!

As I’ve said before

there are limits. He has a serious choice to make.

wonder what is more important to him? Winning a championship or continuing the two-way thing. I doubt he can do both.

before you all freak out keep in mind that a team that wins a World Series has to put individual whims of the players on the back burner.

before you all freak out keep in mind that a team that wins a World Series has to put individual whims of the players on the back burner.

It also takes player talent to win, and what Ohtani could bring as a pitcher and batter could well put a team over the top and make him an MVP of the post season.

Sure, it’s possible

but these injuries he has are not insignificant

one will likely require a second surgery. Can he bounce back? We will see.

Done pitching permanently, I figure, but at least until 2025.

Here is another reason for Otani's "handlers" to not trust the Angels staff, when they asked him to get an MRI.

Otani needs to get away from this team ASAP!

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38409716/angels-rendon-says-injury-fractured-tibia-not-bone-bruise

Done pitching permanently, I figure, but at least until 2025.

Doubt it. Looks like he'll get a TJ surgery, again, out pitching 2024.

But probably pitch again, if not starting, in relief.

Reason why I think he cleared his locker is he wants to get the surgery and hit rehab as quickly as he can.

I rue the day he suddenly announced he wasn't going directly from high school to MLB which he had made clear was his intention.

Two or three days before the Japan draft deadline, he made a u-turn and signed with the Nippon Ham Fighters.

He should've been in MLB since 2012. He would've had an even more of an amazing career, been on different teams, perhaps won a World Series or two and a lot more records guaranteed.

Don't get me wrong, he's an amazing player now as it is but his coming over at a much older age made him more susceptible to injuries that more often raises their heads in older players.

Imagine if he had come over and played from 18 to 24.

sunfunbun: "Doubt it. Looks like he'll get a TJ surgery, again, out pitching 2024. But probably pitch again, if not starting, in relief."

Nope. TJ surgery puts him out of pitching for 2024 for sure. He might get a relief appearance for the sake of trying to make him worth whatever crazy contract he signs, but I guarantee he won't last an inning if he appears.

Would like to see him go to a legit contender.

the ultimate goal is to win a World Series, or at least that is what it was in the good ol days.

who knows what motivates these young players today

@speed

he actually had a chance to go earlier but opted for some time with the Nippon Ham Fighters

in retrospect probably wasted years

Oops, sorry, you mention that. Never mind

I love this man. However, the light that burns twice as bright, burns half as long. Let's wish him a speedy recovery!

smithinjapan* out pitching in 2024 means he's not pitching in 2024. He will try to come back in 2025, whether as a starter or relief.

MVP. I doubt if anyone will take the home run lead away from him, he is one of only a few .300 this year, pitched a 1-hit shutout, and was a pretty darn good pitcher overall. 135 games played and most home runs in the league. Who else has had a better season this year? Joey Gallo?