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Chicago Cubs must differentiate themselves in Shohei Ohtani talks

By Jake Misener

TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 12: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Japan is seen during the warm-up ahead of the international friendly match between Japan and Netherlands at the Tokyo Dome on November 12, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 12: Shohei Ohtani #16 of Japan is seen during the warm-up ahead of the international friendly match between Japan and Netherlands at the Tokyo Dome on November 12, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 26: Mike Trout #27 and Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim stand during a moment of silence in remembrance of Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins prior to a game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 26, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 26: Mike Trout #27 and Albert Pujols #5 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim stand during a moment of silence in remembrance of Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins prior to a game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 26, 2016 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Wasted opportunities abound in the Mike Trout Era

2015 – 2017 Record: 239-247 (.491 winning percentage)

Short-Term Outlook: 

The Angels have three years of control remaining over Mike Trout – the best player in baseball. But it seems to be a moot point. Since 2009, Los Angeles (or Anaheim) made the postseason just one time. Albert Pujols was supposed to bring the Angels to the promised land. He’s delivered them to October baseball just one time.

Still, in a down year, the slugger led the team in runs batted in – plating 101 men. The starting rotation was shockingly lackluster and the farm system offers very little in terms of hope.

Long-Term Outlook:

With a weak minor league system, the future for the Angels looks increasingly bleak. If (when) Trout leaves, this franchise will be wandering on without an identity. They’ve failed to capitalize on the perk of having the best player in the game and there’s little reason to think that’s about to change.

Biggest Differentiator:

Getting to play with the best player in the game doesn’t happen often. Add in a once-in-a-generation player like Albert Pujols and you can learn from a future Hall of Famer. But, on the other hand, the lack of talent would be enough to scare me away if I were Ohtani – regardless of the fact I’d get to play in California.

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