Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels. Winning two MVP awards in Anaheim, Ohtani finished his Angels tenure with a 149 OPS+ and 142 ERA+ in 701 games as a hitter and 86 as a pitcher.

While with the Angels, Ohtani was paired with superstar outfielder Mike Trout.

The duo never produced a playoff appearance, but combined for three MVP awards and eight All-Star nods. Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2023, ending his partnership with Trout. That said, mutual respect remains between the two stars.

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images In an interview with Barry M. Bloom of Sportico, Trout had a strong message about his former teammate. “His season was pretty incredible,” Trout said of Ohtani’s historic 50/50 campaign.

“It was fun to watch and to follow. It was good for baseball, too. Everyone knows what he’s capable of. To be able to put up that kind of numbers consistently is pretty amazing.”

The 2026 WBC field of 20 is set with Brazil and Colombia qualifying in Tucson this week.

Perhaps we’ll get Trout vs. Ohtani again, or was that a singular moment from 2023? My latest for @Sportico. @WBCBaseball@MLB@Angels@Dodgers@Grampskiehttps://t.co/izi42W1LDG — Barry M. Bloom (@Boomskie) March 7, 2025 This was not all Trout said about Ohtani, as the 11-time All-Star also recalled what it was like playing alongside him for six seasons.

“I watched him do what he does on the mound from center field for all those years,” Trout added. “I’ve never seen a player like him. Not both ways like that.

He’s incredible.” As Ohtani was inventing the 50/50 club, injuries limited Trout to just 29 games last season. The longtime center fielder is moving to right field this season in an attempt to stay healthy.