Barring a long-term extension in spring training, Shohei Ohtani's future will loom large over the Los Angeles Angels season.
His agent, Nez Balelo, made clear on Monday what the absence of a deal might mean.
“There’s several layers to this one, and Shohei’s earned the right to play through the year, explore free agency, and we’ll see where it shakes out," Balelo told reporters, per the Orange County Register.
Balelo, who works for CAA Sports, was speaking from Angels spring training in Tempe, Arizona. Per the Register, he spent part of the day speaking with general manager Perry Minasian prior to answering reporters' questions.