Report: Orioles, D-Backs among teams interested in Ohtani

Suitors are starting to emerge for Shohei Ohtani with the Aug. 1 trade deadline fast approaching.

The Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks are among the clubs to inquire about the Los Angeles Angels superstar, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Both teams are reportedly doing their due diligence by checking in with the Angels about Ohtani's availability.

Los Angeles still hasn't determined if it's willing to move the 2021 AL MVP and continues to have an internal dialogue about the possibility, sources told Morosi, who added the Angels' front office likely wants to see how the team will perform this week against the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays.

The Angels sit four games out of the AL's final playoff spot heading into Monday's action.

The team has reportedly decided not to deal Ohtani to the in-state rival Los Angeles Dodgers.

Meanwhile, the Orioles and D-Backs have enjoyed surprising campaigns. Baltimore leads the AL East despite boasting the second-lowest payroll in the majors, while Arizona entered Monday's play in an NL wild-card spot after winning 74 games in 2022. The two clubs are also armed with two of the best minor-league systems in baseball.

Ohtani is the favorite to win his second AL MVP award this season. He owns an MLB-high 36 homers with a 1.072 OPS. On the mound, the three-time All-Star has authored a 3.71 ERA and 148 strikeouts over 111 2/3 innings (19 starts). He's expected to land the largest deal in major league history when he likely enters free agency after the 2023 campaign.