MLB Insider Lists New York Mets as Shohei Ohtani Suitor
PORT ST. LUCIE - While we're still one full season away from free agency, there is significant buzz regarding Shohei Ohtani, who's in a contract year.
The two-way superstar is making $30 million this year with the Los Angeles Angels, but the expectation is that he will test the waters in free agency after the season ends.
Per ESPN, on Monday, Ohtani's agent, Nez Balelo, indicated that the 28-year-old superstar intends to explore free agency.
MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post created a list of teams that will most likely pursue Ohtani in free agency and the Mets were included on said list.
Full List:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. New York Mets: "(Steve) Cohen has the most money, and doesn’t seem to mind losing it. With the 90 percent “Steve Cohen tax” rising to 110 percent, a $500 million deal actually costs a cool billion. Mets GM Billy Eppler, who helped bring Ohtani to Anaheim, would only say, “He is a member of the Los Angeles Angels.”
3. San Francisco Giants
4. Los Angeles Angels
5. San Diego Padres
6. New York Yankees
As SNY's Andy Martino reported in January, Cohen has already begun speaking with Mets officials about pursuing Ohtani next winter.
The Mets already have the highest payroll in MLB history at $370 million, but Cohen has deep pockets and wants to win at all costs. This will pave the way for the Mets likely pursuit of Ohtani next offseason.
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