There was rain, a tarp on the field, and puddles in the dugout as the Angels’ season came to an end. Naturally, uncharacteristically bad weather ended the final day of a rough season in Anaheim.

The Angels defeated the Athletics 7-3 on Sunday after the tarp was removed from the field in time for the planned first pitch. In the American League, Shohei Ohtani had the most home runs at the end of the season.

Ohtani also made history by being the first player from Japan to have the most home runs in either league at the end of a season.

In a statement released by the team, Ohtani said, “It’s quite an honor and I’m humbled when you think about the great players that have come before me that have played MLB from Japan.”

“I am grateful to my teammates, coaching staff, and supporters who assisted me in reaching this objective.”

The Angels had the same record at the end of the previous season—73-89.

After the game, manager Phil Nevin said, “I know it didn’t go the way we wаnted it, but I’m proud of the way that room held together.” It’s not nice to conclude the way we did, but the group is fantastic and there are a lot of exciting things ahead for them, including the return of the guys and the young players. A bright future.

Shohei Ohtani Would Make Incredible History if He Wins AL MVP Award

Even if the Los Angeles Angels organization’s 2023 season didn’t turn out as planned, the team will probably win a significant trophy. Shohei Ohtani, a two-way superstar who has missed a few weeks of the regular season, is the favorite to take home the American League MVP trophy.

Despite missing the final 25 games of the season due to severe ailments, his previous performance was extraordinary. If he is chosen as the winner, he will go down in history as teammate Mike Trout’s 19 missed games to end an MVP season in 2019 set the previous record.

Winning the trophy wouldn’t seem right if Ohtani didn’t continue to make history beyond what he has already accomplished. He batted at the end of the season.304 with 95 runs batted in and 44 home homers. However, he was also effective in the mound, recording a 3.14 ERA in 23 appearances. In 132 innings pitched, Ohtani also struck out 167 batters.

We have never seen someone perform as well as he does at the plate and on the mound. To be fair, he is the biggest show in baseball. It is regrettable that the season for the modern-day Bаbe Ruth was cut short by injuries because he had a season to remember.

Additionally, it’s likely that we won’t get to see him on the mound until 2025 due to a ruptured UCL. However, he ought to be primed to go in 2024 as a hitter for whichever team he signs this offseason.

It is also conceivable that his free agency will be unlike anything we have seen in a long time, akin to the circumstances surrounding the free agency of NBA player LeBron James in 2010. Teams, despite the UCL rupture, will be vying for his services.

Many predict that he will depart the Angels organization in quest of a successful team that can be counted on. Ohtani has not advanced to the postseason with the Angels since entering the MLB. This offseason, the finest player in baseball will have a voice in his future and will receive the treatment he deserves.