New York Mets Linked With Ohtani As Possible Trade Destination

The New York Mets are considered a team that would pursue Shohei Ohtani in free agency. But could a trade be possible?

Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is universally considered the top free agent on the market this coming off season. In fact, late last month one ESPN article connected the New York Mets as one of the leaders in the impending derby to sign him.

But what if the Mets opted to take a swing at Ohtani at the trade deadline?

CBS Sports recently compiled a list of the Top 20 potential trade targets at the deadline, which is Aug. 1. Ohtani was, naturally, No. 1. He’s on a one-year, $30 million deal with the Angels, and is in the final year of his controllable years with the Angels, with whom he signed before the 2018 season.

The Angels reportedly want nothing to do with trading Ohtani. Their owner, Arte Moreno, said earlier this year that “We will not trade Ohtani while we are contending for a playoff spot.”

The question is whether the Angels are actually in contention. Entering Thursday’s action the Angeles are on the periphery of both the American League West division race and the AL Wild Card race.

In other words, the Angels are kind of in it but kind of not. Per CBS:

The Angels don't want to trade Ohtani, and they certainly won't want to trade him if they're within walking distance of a playoff spot. Reality is often inconvenient, however, and that's why the Angels should answer the phone when it buzzes.

As a batter he’s hitting better than .270 with 16 home runs and 42 RBI. As a pitcher he’s 5-2 with a 3.30 ERA with 96 strikeouts and 29 walks (stats entering Wednesday’s game). He is, essentially, two $35 million per year players in one.

It would make sense for Mets owner Steve Cohen and his baseball people to chase him. It would also make sense for the Mets to try and beat the rest of baseball to the punch and trade for him in an effort to sell him on New York and sign to him long-term.

It requires capital, both in prospects and in MLB players, because Ohtani won’t be cheap. It’s something the Mets have and the Angels need.

Entering the season MLB.com ranked the Mets as the No. 11 farm system in baseball. The Angels were No. 28. The Mets has four Top 100 prospects entering the season in catcher Francisco Álvarez, third baseman Brett Baty, catcher Kevin Parada and outfielder Alex Ramirez. Surely the Angels would ask for at least two of those players to restock their system?

You can count on one of the asks not being a catcher. The Angels have a big-time prospect in Logan O’Hoppe, who they traded for with Philadelphia last season.

CBS listed the Mets as one of three potential trade fits for Ohtani. The other two? The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres. Neither have an issue with spending money. But the Dodgers have a far better farm system (No. 2) than the Padres (No. 23).

Would the Mets compete in the trade market for Ohtani, should he be made available, or wait? That a question only the Mets can answer.