MLB Trade Deadline: The Three Teams That Have the Best Chance to Trade for Ohtani

The second half of the MLB season has kicked off, and all eyes are now turned towards the August 1 trade deadline. While plenty of stars are rumored to be on the move, none are bigger than Shohei Ohtani. The Angels confirmed they are prepared to listen to offers, which has set off a race from the league’s top teams to land the former MVP.

Ohtani is having one of the best seasons of his career. He is the top power hitter in baseball and has maintained a batting average over .300. His pitching has been hit or miss, but the offensive production alone will attract suitors around the league. While each team would love to have Ohtani, only a few have the combination of a competitive trade package and a chance to resign the dual threat in the offseason.

Below are the three teams with the best chance to land the generational star. We will share each team's current World Series Odds from MLB betting sites and what makes them a prime candidate to add Ohtani for the season's final stretch.

The Dodgers currently have the second-best odds to win the World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook (+430). After a slow start to the season, the team has come alive and retaken the lead in the NL West. They have a lineup loaded with stars, led by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. The Dodgers also have one of the top-ranked farm systems in the league, meaning they will have plenty of top prospects to trade if the Angels are willing to move Ohtani.

One area LA is lacking is in their pitching. Some tremendous young arms have been called up, but injuries have hit them hard. Even though Ohtani has struggled a bit on the mound, he would still be a big boost for this rotation. 

The Dodgers have a couple of significant advantages over the rest of the teams in the league. The first is their location, as Ohtani wouldn't need to move when changing teams. The second is that their history of winning. Ohtani will want to get paid, but he will also be looking for a chance to win a World Series, which LA can offer.

The D-Backs have been one of the season's biggest surprises, and they have built a team that will be good for years to come. FanDuel has them at +3800 to win the World Series, the twelfth-best odds in the league. Arizona has been cultivating a top-rated farm system that has paid off in 2023. They have a budding superstar in Corbin Carroll, and they sit just a couple games behind the Dodgers in the NL West.

The Arizona front office has done a fantastic job building this team, but a big chunk of that work would likely be traded if they were to get Ohtani. However, two of their division rivals are reportedly hunting for the Angels' star. He would undoubtedly help Arizona, but keeping him away from the Giants and Dodgers could be even more valuable. 

While Phoenix and the surrounding area make playing for the D-Backs appealing, the Japanese star may not be willing to live in the desert. However, Arizona has built a team that will appeal to the star. That and Arizona's low tax rates could sway Ohtani to settle in the desert.

The Rangers have been another surprise team this season, and FanDuel now has them at +950 to win the 2023 World Series. Those are the league's fifth-best odds, leading to them being a popular bet. Shortstop Corey Seager has been second to only Ohtani in offensive production this season, and he is supported by one of the best lineups in baseball. 

While their offense has been great, Texas could use pitching help. Jacob deGrom only played a handful of games before picking up a season-ending injury, and they could use one more reliable arm. Ohtani would give them that and make their offense head and shoulders above the rest of the league.

Texas has the advantages of a large market and a massive payroll. They have signed enormous contracts over the years (including deGrom), and they would not hesitate to make Ohtani the highest-paid player in the game. The Dodgers could also do that, but the Ranger's lack of historical success could drive them to be the highest bidder this offseason.