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The free agency status of Shohei Ohtani got more intriguing with the UCL injury suffered last month. It could mean he doesn’t pitch at all in 2024, making the great two-way star nothing more than a DH. New York Mets rumors were supposed to be headlined by the future $500+ million man. However, according to MLB insider John Heyman, the Mets aren’t even among the teams he expects to be in on Ohtani this offseason.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 3, 2023
There aren’t too many surprises here in terms of the clubs he does mention with one exception. The Boston Red Sox are a bit more unexpected yet reasonable enough to understand.
Otherwise, Heyman’s list of teams includes the three West Coast clubs we already knew about, the big market Chicago Cubs, and free-spending Texas Rangers.
NY Mets rumors: Will Steve Cohen at least make Shohei Ohtani an offer?
Steve Cohen isn’t doing his job if he doesn’t at least tell his GM or POBO to get in touch with Ohtani’s camp about a contract. Just because the Mets aren’t listed here doesn’t mean it won’t happen. One free agency signing could quickly knock out any of these six teams Heyman does have listed. Signing Ohtani is the kind of splash you hope makes enough waves to knock the smaller children out of the pool so you can have it all to yourself.
In other Mets rumors news, Billy Eppler told Jim Bowden the team expects to get involved in the free agent starting pitching market.
Billy Eppler GM #Mets just told us they will be in the starting pitching free agent market this winter @MLBNetworkRadio #FrontOffice
— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) September 3, 2023
The obvious takeaway from Mets fans from this is why Eppler would be speaking about the offseason. His job isn’t exactly protected by the Slomin’s Shield.
Involvement in the free agent starting pitching market isn’t exactly promising either. Does it mean they’re fishing at the top of the chain or looking to fill spaces with the next Rick Porcello and/or Michael Wacha? At least one starting pitcher is a must for the Mets this winter. Whether they’re building a truly competitive team or not, the organization lacks the bodies for a fully competent starting five.