Amid speculation that Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) could be traded, local reports in the U.S. are suggesting that Boston is in the running to sign him.

“The Boston Red Sox would instantly become a playoff contender with Ohtani on the roster,” Sports Illustrated said on Jan. 23 (KST), adding that Ohtani is a free agent and could be dealt at the trade deadline.

The Angels’ playoff chances are slipping away. The Angels could sell Ohtani before the trade deadline in late July. This is because it’s much more beneficial to move a player on the verge of free agency to add a prospect or immediate depth at a weak position than it is to compensate with a pick in free agency.

Locally, the Los Angeles Angels are considered unlikely to land Ohtani, who will cost at least $500 million. The Angels are not alone in their pursuit of Ohtani, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and other teams reportedly in the mix.

This season, Ohtani is 5-1 with a 3.05 ERA in 10 appearances as a pitcher. As a hitter, he is batting .282 with 11 home runs and 32 RBIs in 47 games 스포츠토토.