COMING TO AMERICA

Los Angeles Angels Win the Shohei Ohtani Sweepstakes

The prized Japanese slugger and pitcher has found a West Coast home.

Shohei Ohtani will play for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim next season. The Angels were reportedly among a handful of American League ball clubs that remained in the sweepstakes to lure the Japanese dual-threat—a star slugger and pitcher—to play for their team. “This morning, after a thorough, detailed process, Shohei Ohtani has decided to sign with the Los Angeles Angels,” his agent said in a statement. “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.” Ohtani is arguably the most special import in baseball history, as he can be used to pitch and hit—performing both at a superstar level.