Los Angeles Angels, despite their underwhelming performance and persistent disappointment, boast two exceptional talents in the realm of baseball: Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani. Trout, in 2019, secured a 12-year deal worth $426 million, ranking as the second most lucrative contract in North American sports history. Ohtani, meanwhile, is a unique two-way player who recently signed a one-year contract for $30 million to avoid arbitration. The two Angels stars, who have developed a close friendship, are set to face off in a thrilling matchup at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

The World Baseball Classic which commences on 8th March will potentially see a matchup between the United States of America and Japan. While Trout will be in the starting outfield for the USA, Ohtani is undoubtedly the face of the Japanese team. However, based on a recent interview, it seems like Trout is fearing Ohtani and the entire Japanese pitching bullpen.

Is Mike Trout scared of facing Ohtani?

In a video uploaded by the World Baseball Classic’s Twitter handle, Mike Trout is visibly expressing subtle apprehension about facing the “nasty” Ohtani and the strong Japanese bullpen. Moreover, Ohtani himself doesn’t believe that he’s the best in the Japanese team, which says something too.

Trout, in the video, says, “Every person I talk to says they don’t want to be in the box. I’m looking forward to it. He’s one of my good friends, so it’s going to be fun.”

Read More: WATCH: MLB Veteran Weighs on Highly Anticipated Battle Between Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout in the World Baseball Classic

Top Stories

Blue Jays Make Massive Offseason Powerplay While Bo Bichette & Kyle Tucker Remain Unsigned

Blue Jays to Show Exit Door to 3 Playoff Stars as Ross Atkins Plans Major Changes: MLB Winter Meeting Rumors

Blue Jays’ Embarrass NY Teams After Stealing $37M Mets Star as Kyle Tucker Deal Appears Unevitable

Blue Jays’ Kyle Tucker–Bo Bichette Push Turns Toronto’s Mockery Into AL East Nightmare as Yankees Face New Threat

Mets Told to Move on From Cody Bellinger Pursuit for $180M Free Agent Slugger

Moreover, as reported by Angels reporter Taylor Blake Ward, Trout said, “The Japanese team is stacked. Talking to Shohei Ohtani about that team, he says he doesn’t believe he’s the best player on that team.”

How excited are fans to watch the ultimate WBC showdown?

If you love baseball, there is no possible way that you aren’t excited about this matchup. While everyone awaits the MLB, which is officially 69 days away, the World Baseball Classic will be a stunning start to an action-packed season.

This is how fans reacted to Mike Trout’s comments:

What do you think about this matchup? Who will emerge victorious? Ohtani or Trout? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: From Babe Ruth To Derek Jeter: New York Yankees Legends Who Jersey Number Has Been Retired