He didn’t present a lot of an attendance enhance

Within the run-up to the 2023 commerce deadline, the Angels have been reportedly mulling over whether or not or not they need to commerce Shohei Ohtani. Regardless of the pending free agent being more likely to go away the group in mere months, group proprietor Arte Moreno apparently wished to squeeze all the worth he might out of the celebrity.

The speculation was that having Shohei Ohtani within the lineup was an ace-card for the Angels to draw followers to the ballpark. Nevertheless, in response to new stats, getting the chance to look at the best two-way star of the era did little to spice up the numbers.

“Shohei Ohtani launches his American League-leading 41st home run!” – MLB

Just lately, MLB analyst outlined the ticket sale figures for the Los Angeles Angels in The Athletic. Passan remarked that, opposite to well-liked data, Ohtani’s continued presence on the group didn’t enhance ticket gross sales. Passan pointed to the truth that solely 2.5 and a couple of.6 million followers got here to Angel Stadium in 2022 and 2023 respectively. This represents a steep decline from the over 3 million followers that got here yearly between 2003 and 2019. Passan continued:

“”Ohtani didn’t present a lot of an attendance enhance for the Angels, who throughout his six seasons averaged solely 163 followers extra when he was the beginning pitcher at house than when he was not, in response to STATS Carry out. The group exceeded 3 million in house attendance every season from 2003 to 2019. However prior to now two seasons, performed with out restrictions stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Angels’ house totals have been 2.5 million and a couple of.6 million, respectively.” – Jeff Passan

Now within the throes of free company, Ohtani is predicted to obtain provides of as much as $500 million. Other than the immense expertise of the 2023 AL MVP, groups might be placing up such cash as a result of they consider Ohtani will drive ticket gross sales. Solely a few of the league’s wealthiest groups, just like the Los Angeles Dodgers, are thought-about to face an opportunity.

Shohei Ohtani might thrive in the fitting market

Though the Angels didn’t see a marked improve in followers on account of Ohtani, different groups might. The Toronto Blue Jays, for instance, have been recognized as a attainable vacation spot for the Japanese star. As MLB’s solely Canadian group, Ohtani might have a complete nation behind him. Regardless, it’s not possible that many groups will see this revealing statistic as a dicentive to go after this generational expertise.