When Randal Grichuk joined the Angels last year following a trade, he quickly understood the team’s goal: making a push for the playoffs. The Angels aimed to close a three-game gap for a wild card spot, hoping to reach their first postseason since 2014. However, this strategy also focused on Shohei Ohtani, a star and impending free agent, to demonstrate that Anaheim was a competitive environment where he could aim for championships.
Grichuk reflected on the team’s efforts, indicating they were striving to show Ohtani their commitment to success. Unfortunately, he acknowledged that the plan didn’t pan out.
Over the past year, the situation has significantly changed for both Ohtani and the Angels. Last fall, the team suffered a dramatic setback, losing seven consecutive games in early August, resulting in a swift end to their playoff hopes. Ohtani’s season ended prematurely due to injuries, and his last game with the Angels was on September 3, 2023.
On the anniversary of that date, Ohtani returns to Anaheim, now with the Dodgers, for his first regular season game at Angel Stadium as a visitor. This matchup comes during a strong postseason run for Los Angeles, which recently carved out a significant lead in the NL West.
Ohtani is making headlines with impressive individual statistics, including 44 home runs and 46 stolen bases, putting him on the verge of a 50-50 season, a rare achievement in Major League Baseball.
Reflecting on his new team’s competitive position, Ohtani expressed excitement about playing in September with a sense of urgency against a divisional rival, a feeling he hasn’t experienced before.
The likelihood of Ohtani leaving the Angels became apparent over his time in Anaheim, where he consistently expressed a desire to win. Despite his individual success, a combination of injuries, a top-heavy roster, and questionable management decisions hindered the team’s potential.
Although he faced speculation about wanting to remain with the Angels during free agency, Ohtani ultimately signed with the Dodgers after the Angels decided not to match a staggering $700 million offer presented by his agent to other interested teams. This decision continues to stir debates among fans and analysts regarding what might have happened had the Angels pursued a match.
When asked about his relationship with the Angels and the offer, Ohtani maintained focus on his current objective with the Dodgers, emphasizing gratitude for the teams that valued him during free agency rather than dwelling on what transpired with his former team.
As Ohtani prepares to face his old team, many anticipate a warm reception from Angels fans, who still hold appreciation for his contributions during his time in Anaheim. Conversations among players suggest that Ohtani remains a beloved figure, and there is hope for a standing ovation upon his return.
Looking back on last season, Grichuk noted that if the Angels hadn’t faltered in their pursuit of postseason play, they might have retained Ohtani. Still, the decision not to extend a competitive offer during free agency ultimately paved the way for Ohtani’s new chapter with the Dodgers, where he remains focused on winning, now in a different uniform.