Shohei Ohtani's exceptional talent has yet to translate into postseason success for the Los Angeles Angels, who haven't reached the playoffs in eight years, a drought that predates Ohtani's arrival. Despite his remarkable achievements, including the 2021 AL MVP award, the Angels have consistently finished below .500 during Ohtani's tenure.

This lack of team success is clearly weighing on Ohtani, who has openly expressed his desire to win as he approaches free agency. "The desire to win gets stronger every year," Ohtani stated, emphasizing his frustration with losing. Currently in the final year of a one-year, $30 million contract, he's poised to command a record-breaking deal in the upcoming offseason.

While Ohtani maintains his focus on the current season, his impending free agency looms large. He acknowledges the uncertainty of the process, stating, "I’ve never been a free agent, so I’m unsure how it will unfold." Despite a stellar June performance with 15 home runs and a .394 batting average alongside a 3.26 ERA, the Angels struggled, finishing the month at 14-13 and entering the All-Star break with a 45-46 record, having lost nine of their last ten games.

Trade rumors swirl around Ohtani as the August 1 deadline approaches, although the Angels have shown no inclination to trade him. Ohtani, through his interpreter, indicated he's trying to avoid dwelling on trade speculation and concentrate on each game. However, the Angels face an uphill battle in the second half of the season with significant injuries to key players like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. Their ability to recover and make a playoff push could significantly influence Ohtani's decision in free agency.