Shohei Ohtani had ‘good’ yr; much less glowing on Angels mark

TOKYO — Japanese two-way celebrity Shohei Ohtani arrived dwelling on Tuesday and was vital of his Los Angeles Angels staff lacking the Main League Baseball playoffs once more.

In an interview at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, he mentioned it was “a very good season for me personally.” Not so good for the Angels, although.

With out strong assist for former AL MVPs Ohtani and Mike Trout, the Angels suffered a seventh consecutive dropping season, and missed the playoffs for an eighth consecutive yr.

“I’ve to say that August and September specifically felt longer to me than final yr,” Ohtani mentioned, talking in Japanese. “We weren’t capable of play as many good video games as we want — together with 14 consecutive losses. So I’ve a somewhat unfavourable impression of this season.”

The Angels completed 73-89 and have been 33 video games behind the Houston Astros within the American League West.

The Angels final made the playoffs in 2014. Ohtani joined in 2018, leaving one in all baseball’s largest stars on the sidelines for the sport’s largest stage.

Ohtani was 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA as a pitcher. As a batter he hit 34 dwelling runs, had 95 RBIs and hit .273.

He was requested about the opportunity of being the American League MVP once more.

“I am simply completely happy to be thought of as a candidate,” he mentioned.

Ohtani has already picked up an armful of awards. He was the AL MVP final yr. Final season, he was additionally introduced a particular award — the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award — by commissioner Rob Manfred to acknowledge his two-way play.

Ohtani has already agreed to a $30 million cope with the Angels for the 2023 season, his closing yr earlier than free company. The Angels have mentioned they need to preserve him.

He was open to enjoying for Japan in subsequent yr’s World Baseball Traditional, which takes place earlier than the MLB season.

“Many top-class Main League gamers from america and Latin America have introduced their participation,” Ohtani mentioned. “Taking part on this event could be very interesting to me. I’ve that form of feeling.”