Ohtani focused on the present: 'As of now, I'm an Angel'

The future of impending free agent Shohei Ohtani will likely be one of this season's biggest storylines to follow.

Despite the intrigue surrounding his status beyond 2023, the Los Angeles Angels two-way star is trying to remain focused on the present.

"As of now, I’m an Angel. And that’s what I want to focus on," Ohtani said Thursday, according to The Athletic's Sam Blum.

The 28-year-old, who will earn $30 million this season, told reporters that he has yet to engage in any substantial conversations with the Angels about his future beyond this campaign, according to SoCal News Group's Jeff Fletcher.

Teammate Mike Trout is planning to try and convince Ohtani to sign an extension to remain with the Angels for the long haul.

"I’m going to do everything I can, for sure," Trout said, according to Blum. "I’ve built a great relationship with (Ohtani) over the years."

Los Angeles has been actively trying to improve its roster this offseason, which Ohtani has noticed.

"I do firmly believe that the Angels are on the same page as me. They want to win just as much as I do," Ohtani said, according to Fletcher.

"But I mean, I can't really tell you what they really are thinking, but I would like to believe that."

Ohtani has developed into arguably the best player in baseball over his five seasons with L.A. The Japanese star is a two-time All-Star, won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2018, and was named AL MVP in 2021.