Angels: Shohei Ohtani Doesn't Deserve $500 Million Contract After Elbow Injury, per Stephen A. Smith

(Photo : John McCoy/Getty Images) ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - Shohei Ohtani sits on the bench in the fourth inning during a game against the Detroit Tigers at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Los Angeles Angels Shohei Ohtani is expected to get a $500 million contract in MLB free agency, although Stephen A. Smith believes he doesn't deserve it.

Smith explained why when he spoke on ESPN's First Take via Jomboy Media.

Stephen A. Smith says Shohei Ohtani doesn't deserve a $500 million contract because the Angels didn't win or fill seats when he was on the team pic.twitter.com/3Jbq3OmYEY
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 20, 2023

"I don't want to hear any discussions anymore about him getting a half a billion dollars," Smith said. "There's a bunch of empty seats that I see when Shohei Ohtani's pitching, let alone hitting... you're not filling anything, you're not winning, I'm not giving up that kind of money for him," Smith stated.

Smith raises several valid points, and it may be hard to see how the Angels can spend that much on someone who will not be ready to pitch again until 2025, Fox Sports reported. However, seeing the Angels letting Shohei Ohtani move to another team is equally difficult.

Shohei Ohtani surgery carefully deliberated

It should also be noted that Ohtani carefully decided what procedure to undergo. The type of surgery Shotime went with was one wherein he would hit and pitch for many years to come, CBS Sports reported.

Ohtani underwent successful surgery on Tuesday at the Kerlan & Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles.

Shotime is projected to return by the start of the 2024 MLB season and pitch again by 2025, according to Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who performed the procedure. This timeline is expected to factor in Shohei Ohtani Angels contract talks.

The 29-year-old player missed several games after being placed in the IL. Despite Shohei Ohtani's absence, he remains a favorite to win the AL MVP, MLB.com reported.