Insider says Shohei Ohtani's free-agency decision expected to happen within days

Reports and rumors have been flying for months regarding two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani's future and whether or not his run with the Los Angeles Angels has come to a close.

The 29-year-old made his third straight AL All-Star team, won his second Silver Slugger Award and earned his second AL MVP in the last three seasons in 2023, leading all of baseball in wins above replacement (WAR) at 10.0, slugging percentage (.654) and OPS (1.066). Ohtani paced the junior circuit in home runs (44), on-base percentage (.412), extra base hits (78) and total bases (325) as well.

On the mound, the 2018 AL Rookie of the Year went 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 167 strikeouts across 132 innings pitched covering 23 starts.

One of the most brilliant overall efforts in Ohtani's six big league seasons came during a late-July doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers where he pitched the first complete-game shutout of his career in Game 1, striking out eight, walking three and allowing only one hit. Ohtani followed up the gem by hitting two home runs in Game 2.

Just under one month later, however, the native of Oshu, Japan departed a start against the Cincinnati Reds early after experiencing what was first reported as arm fatigue. Ohtani was later shut down for the rest of the 2023 campaign and 2024 season as a pitcher after it was revealed that he suffered a torn UCL in his pitching elbow.

It's been speculated that "Showtime's" inability to pitch next season, plus his history of arm issues, may shave off some of the millions of dollars he was expected to make in his next contract. If recent reports hold true though, it looks like that wherever Ohtani lands this winter, he'll be making at least $500M or $600M.