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Rays Lead AL East After Ohtani Trade Rejection

5/21/2026

Summary

Ohtani Signs Dodgers

Arte Moreno rejected a 2023 trade that would have sent Shohei Ohtani to the Rays for Junior Caminero and Carson Williams.
Ohtani later signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Caminero hit .324 with 31 homers in 117 minor-league games in 2023.
The Rays finished 2023 at 99-63, lost in the first playoff round, and by May 2026 led the AL East 33-15 while the Angels sat at 17-33.

Summary

Moreno Cuts Payroll

After rejecting the Ohtani trade, Angels owner Arte Moreno went “all-in” at the deadline, acquiring Lucas Giolito, Jo Lopez, C.J. Cron and Randal Grichuk.
The club waived Giolito, Lopez and right fielder Hunter Renfroe to drop payroll below the luxury-tax limit, signaling a shift from a playoff push to rebuilding.
The Angels finished 73-89, missed the postseason and faced financial pressure that forced cost-cutting after aggressive deadline spending.

History

Historical Context

MLB reinstated the Competitive Balance Tax in the 2002 CBA, taking effect in 2003; the New York Yankees became the first club to exceed the $120 million threshold, ultimately paying $325 million in taxes—the largest share of all penalties. Owner Arte Moreno’s 2023-2026 refusal to trade Shohei Ohtani echoes those early post-tax roster cuts that forced the Angels to abandon a playoff push.

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Ohtani Signs Dodgers

Arte Moreno rejected a 2023 trade that would have sent Shohei Ohtani to the Rays for Junior Caminero and Carson Williams.
Ohtani later signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Caminero hit .324 with 31 homers in 117 minor-league games in 2023.
The Rays finished 2023 at 99-63, lost in the first playoff round, and by May 2026 led the AL East 33-15 while the Angels sat at 17-33.

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