Angels sign Shohei Ohtani
The Los Angeles Angels have won the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes.
Ohtani's agent Nez Balelo announced the news Friday that the Japanese two-way sensation will join two-time American League MVP Mike Trout in Los Angeles.
"This morning, after a thorough, detailed process, Shohei Ohtani had decided to sign with the Los Angeles Angels," Balelo said. "Shohei is humbled and flattered by all the time and effort that so many teams put into their presentations and sincerely thanks them for their professionalism. In the end, he felt a strong connection with the Angels and believes they can best help him reach his goals in Major League Baseball."
Trout, who has only appeared in the postseason once during his seven-year career, may have been caught off guard by the news:
After receiving written pitches from interested clubs, Ohtani narrowed the group to seven teams earlier this week: the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani will agree to a minor-league deal, and will likely receive a $2.315-million signing bonus - the largest Los Angeles can spend from their international bonus pool. The Angels will then pay the Nippon-Ham Fighters a $20-million posting fee.
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