MLB insider reveals 'most motivated' team in Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes

"Well, you start with the Yankees, the Yankees, the Yankees," Olney said on the program when asked who his sources indicate are a favorite to acquire Ohtani. "There's no doubt, in talking with sources yesterday, the Yankees are potentially the most motivated."  

The move certainly makes sense for New York (49-42), who find themselves outside of the playoff picture despite their obvious "win-now" approach. 

It would inject life into what has been an anemic offense since 2022 MVP Aaron Judge went down with a foot injury at the beginning of June. In Judge's absence, New York is 14-17. The Yankees offense has posted just a .710 OPS this season even when Judge was playing. Ohtani, meanwhile, is having another monster season at the plate, mashing 32 home runs to accompany a .302 batting average before the All-Star break. 

His ability to hit for contact as well as power will be a welcome addition to a lineup with the third-lowest batting average in all MLB so far this year. 

Ohtani would also be an incredible addition to New York's starting rotation. While his ERA this season is slightly higher than 2022, he's still 7-4 with 132 strikeouts in 100.1 innings. His insertion into the Yankees starting rotation would make it arguably the best in baseball, boasting up to four pitchers who finished in the top 10 of Cy Young voting last season: Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes Jr. — once he returns from IL — and Carlos Rodon. 

In short, a Yankees trade for the generational talent would instantly improve the team both at the plate and on the mound and (with a healthy Judge) rocket the Yankees to World Series favorites. 

The Angels (45-46) could still be reluctant to move Ohtani if they make progress on their seven-game deficit in the American League West. But, after losing nine of their last 10 games heading into the All-Star break, the front office could decide to get what they can for him before he potentially leaves in free agency.