Trout, who has won the season MVP = Most Valuable Player award three times with the Angels in the big leagues, said of Shohei Ohtani, who will become an FA = free agent after this season, "It's been an incredible season, I'm going to talk to him in the future, but ultimately it's up to him to decide."

The 32-year-old captain of the U.S. National Team at the WBC = World Baseball Classic in March and led the Angels along with Ohtani early in the season.

However, he broke the hook bone in his left hand in July and although he returned, he was in pain again after only one game and ended the season.

This season, in 3 games, he had a batting average of 7.1.82 and 2 home runs.

Speaking to reporters before the match on 6 January, Trout said: "I tried very hard to get back as soon as possible, but the pain and discomfort never went away. It was really hard and frustrating," he said, his voice choking at times.

When asked about Ohtani, he said, "It's been an incredible season, it was fun to watch, Shohei is amazing," before commenting on becoming an FA after this season: "I'm going to talk to him. Where is Shohei going?' People always ask me, but it's up to him. Ultimately, it's up to him to decide. He hasn't said anything to me and is quietly doing what he has to do. We should keep it quiet," he said, expressing his respect for Ohtani's decision.

"There are a lot of speculations, but I'm going to come in this team's uniform next spring, I still have seven years left on my contract with the Angels, and I do that every year," he said, denying reports of the trade reported by some U.S. media.

Nevin: "We'll see you this weekend"

Ohtani, who underwent surgery on his right elbow on the 19th of this month, did not appear in the first home match against the Rangers on the 25th.

Angels manager Nevin said of Ohtani: "He's at home, he needs time to recover from the surgery and I think he's relaxing at home. But he wants to be with his teammates and I'm sure we'll see him this weekend."

Before the game against the Athletics on Saturday the 30th of this month, the annual MVP = Most Valuable Player Award and the Best Pitcher Award within the team will be announced, and it will be interesting to see if Ohtani, who is sure to win the double award for pitching for the third consecutive year, will appear in front of the fans.