Mets Preparing Shohei Ohtani Pursuit
Arte Moreno is no longer preparing to sell the Angels. Of course, that has much larger ramifications for the on field product. What’s going to happen with Shoei Ohtani? 2023 could be the final season that Ohtani dons an Angels uniform as the jack-of-all-trades player is scheduled to hit free agency after the year is over. If and when that time comes, you best believe the Mets will be in the mix.
Andy Martino of SNY has reported that Steve Cohen wants Ohtani. Cohen has already spoken to management about making sure they get the job done.
“According to sources, Cohen has already been talking openly to upper level Mets people about going after Ohtani this winter. The Yankees were fairly aggressive in their exploration of a trade for Ohtani last July, so they can’t be ruled out.”
Martino continues his column by saying that he expects the Dodgers to be in the mix as well. It’s important to remember that Ohtani made it a sticking point to play on the west coast. Location may play a factor as it’s much closer to his native Japan. Even if the Mets are the top bidders, would Ohtani pass to stay on the west coast with the Dodgers in the mix? Certainly a fair question.
The Yankees are also listed here but they face the same location struggles the Mets do. Well, they’re not struggles. Just in this instance, they are. The Yankees made a play when Ohtani first signed in 2017 but weren’t even listed as a finalist. The Cubs, however, were on the list.
It should be also mentioned there is a real chance the Angels are out of it by the deadline as they normally are. Will LA be smart enough to trade him when that time comes? The only problem is they’re about two years too late. Do the Mets pull the trigger and then offer a mega extension to make sure they land their guy? Time will tell how aggressive the Cohen led group gets in their Ohtani chase.
