The Shohei Ohtani trade rumors are likely to keep getting louder before next season. MLB's two-way superstar is entering the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Angels, and there is growing speculation that he is interested in joining a new team.

In all five of his seasons on a major-league roster, Ohtani and the Angels have finished with a losing record and far out of the playoffs. The reigning American League MVP hasn't been shy about expressing his frustrations with a lack of team success.

"I have to say that August and September, in particular, felt longer to me than last year," Ohtani said in Japanese, in an interview at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, via The Associated Press. "We were not able to play as many good games as we would like -- including 14 consecutive losses. So I have a rather negative impression of this season."

The Angels went 73-89, finishing 33 games out of first place in the AL West. Despite having Ohtani and Mike Trout on the same team, Los Angeles has finished at least eight games under .500 in every season since 2018. The Angels last made the postseason in 2014.

Ohtani has made it clear how much he values winning. The Angels could lose him without getting something in return during the 2023-24 free agency period.

Los Angeles isn't likely to be a contender next season without making significant off-season additions. It's becoming more and more realistic that the Angels will entertain trade offers this winter for Ohtani, who could bring back one of the most valuable packages of prospects and young players in baseball history.

The Angels reportedly listened to trade offers for Ohtani at the 2022 deadline, though the team was never close to moving the superstar.

The San Diego Padres made the biggest splash at the trade deadline, giving up a massive haul of young players in exchange for Juan Soto. It won't be surprising if another team offers up an even bigger package for Ohtani, who has proven to be an All-Star-caliber hitter and pitcher.

During his 2021 MVP campaign, Ohtani hit 46 home runs and pitched to a 3.18 ERA in 23 starts. Ohtani had 34 homers in the 2022 season, and his ERA plummeted to 2.33 in 28 starts.

Ohtani agreed to a record $30 million salary in arbitration for the 2023 season. If the 28-year-old has another outstanding season on both sides of the ball, he might have a historic contract waiting for him in free agency.

Shohei Ohtani - Los Angeles Angels
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks on during his at bat during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 18, 2021 in Anaheim, California. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images