Imagine a world where Shohei Ohtani spent the second half of the 2023 season terrorizing AL East lineups while wearing a Rays uniform. That reality was inches away from happening, according to a new report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
At the 2023 MLB trade deadline, the Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays were deep in negotiations for a deal that would have sent Ohtani — then on an expiring contract — to Florida. The return package would have featured Junior Caminero, one of baseball’s elite prospects, plus additional players and prospects.
Why the Trade Fell Apart
Angels owner Arte Moreno made the call to hold onto Ohtani for the second consecutive year, passing on what could have been a franchise-altering haul. The decision left many wondering what might have been, especially after Ohtani walked in free agency a few months later, signing a record-breaking deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“Imagine, if in 2023, Shohei Ohtani had unleashed his two-way prowess for the Tampa Bay Rays, if only for a few months,” Rosenthal wrote. “Imagine if he had been traded for Junior Caminero, who would now be starring at third base for the Los Angeles Angels instead of the Rays.”
The near-trade would have sent shockwaves through baseball, reshaping the playoff picture and the future of both franchises. Instead, the Angels kept their superstar, missed the postseason, and watched him depart for nothing.
Echoes of Other Near-Moves
This isn’t the first time a blockbuster trade nearly reshaped sports history. In the NFL, the Rams nearly traded Davante Adams in a similar deadline shuffle. And in college basketball, Tom Izzo’s near-jump to the Suns remains a famous “what if.”
The Ohtani scenario, however, carries unique weight. He is arguably the most talented player in MLB history, and the idea of him in a Rays uniform — even for just two months — is tantalizing. Tampa Bay’s front office, known for maximizing value, would have had a generational talent for a playoff run.
What the Angels Lost
By holding onto Ohtani, the Angels not only missed out on Caminero — who is now a cornerstone for the Rays — but also got nothing in return when Ohtani left. The decision has been criticized as short-sighted, especially given the team’s ongoing struggles.
Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to dominate for the Dodgers, recently sparking controversy over MLB rules regarding extra relievers. His impact remains undeniable.
The near-trade serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in sports. One owner’s decision altered the trajectory of two franchises. For Rays fans, it’s a dream that almost came true. For Angels fans, it’s a painful glimpse at what might have been.
