Bob Nightengale: the Los Angeles Angels were never trading Shohei Ohtani

Top news breaker and longtime USA Today national baseball writer Bob Nightengale returns to the Jack Vita Show, just days before the 2023 MLB trade deadline.

Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Angels made a statement, trading five players for Chicago White Sox All-Star starting pitcher Lucas Giolito and bullpen arm Reynaldo Lopez. The Angels have made themselves clear: they are not trading Shohei Ohtani, and have every intention to compete for a playoff spot in the season's second half, as well as re-sign Ohtani when he becomes a free agent this winter. Bob provides insight into the Angels' thought process and decisions, adding that the Angels "never" were going to trade Ohtani. Bob and Jack break down the trade from both the Angels and White Sox' perspectives, and discuss what players the White Sox might deal in the coming days, leading up to the trade deadline. They also talk potential free agent destinations for Ohtani. Bob believes there will really only be four teams realistically in play for the 2021 American League MVP.

Later, Bob and Jack weigh in on the Cubs. Will the Cubs sell Marcus Stroman, Cody Bellinger and others at the deadline? Both Stroman and Bellinger will be free agents upon the conclusion of the season. Bob gives an estimate as to what type of deal Bellinger will be in the market for this winter, and shares whether he believes the Cubs will retain him or not.

What other moves might be made over the next week? Who might the San Diego Padres and New York Mets sell, after each team's disappointing first half, despite having record payrolls? Who might the St. Louis Cardinals be willing to move? Are there any other big deals that could be in the works, that we might be overlooking at this time? Would the Padres trade Juan Soto, one year after acquiring him in a blockbuster deal with the Washington Nationals? Which teams do Bob and Jack expect to be the most aggressive at the deadline? Bob and Jack have you covered. All this, and much more!

You can follow Bob on Twitter (@BNightengale) and check out his work at USA Today.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | Pandora | TuneIn | Listen Notes | Podtail | Podchaser | Hubhopper | Audio junkie | Himalaya | Podcast Addict | Available wherever podcasts are found.

Follow Jack on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

For more sports and entertainment analysis, follow me on Twitter @JackVitaShow, and subscribe to the Jack Vita Show on iTunes or wherever podcasts are found.