ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 03: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels walks to the mound before being taken out of the game against the Oakland Athletics in the sixth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 3, 2022 in Anaheim, California.

Angels' Moreno: We haven't started extension talks with Ohtani

3 years ago
John McCoy / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno said the team hasn't had any discussions with Shohei Ohtani about extending the two-way superstar before he hits free agency after this season, according to Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com.

The 76-year-old added that reaching a deal will depend on Ohtani wanting to actually stay in Los Angeles.

"He's arguably the most unique player and probably one of the top five or 10 players," Moreno said Saturday. "It's a business. We're going to sit down. Ohtani has to want to be here, too. It's a two-way street.

"It's like with Mike (Trout), I spent a lot of time with Mike. I said, 'You have to make a decision, and it has to be where you and your family want to be.' Once we sit down with the agent (Nez Balelo), Ohtani has to figure out (if) this is where he wants to be."

Ohtani, who's a perennial MVP contender and arguably the best player in baseball, could become the first major leaguer to ever ink a contract worth at least $500 million if he decides to test the open market next offseason.

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