Could the Mets make a run at Shohei Ohtani?

Current New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler was the general manager of the Los Angeles Angels when Shohei Ohtani arrived on scene. Knowing that Eppler signed the Japanese superstar, he’s kept tabs on him, but the Angels have shown no interest in trading him. Has anything changed?

Will Ohtani Negotiate?

The soon-to-be pitcher and designated hitter is going to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. All you need is money to lure him to Queens, but that won’t be easy. He will have plenty of suitors. At least four or five. If you want to be able to negotiate sooner, if he agrees, it is by getting him a trade. If he says he won’t negotiate in season, you lower the offer and try and rent him.

The Mets Have Needs

The Mets need more pitching, and they have a problem going back to last season filling the DH position with a steady bat. The Mets are struggling and are a .500 team, they need help. The Angels are a game outside of the playoffs as matters stand. That’s the problem, here. Are they going to stay in it? History says no and that’s my guess as well.

What Can the Mets Offer the Angels?

The Metropolitans would end up losing one or two of their top prospects in any deal, with Francisco Alvarez, Ronny Mauricio and Mark Vientos all potential options. Add a roster player like pitcher Tylor Megill and add another prospect and the Angels might take that. They won’t get any assets if they don’t make the playoffs, meaning that this would be a way of adding some young, partially-proven talent. The Angels will need that kind of talent after losing Ohtani. And they will lose him.

Is Ohtani Worth The Risk?

I think he is. If Ohtani gets a chance to experience New York, having teammates like Kodai Senga and Pete Alonso (who is a gem), could sway him. The Mets might pay him the $600 million that’s being talked about.

His Endorsements Would Grow

Today, Ohtani makes a lot more with endorsements compared to his major league contract. If he adds New York to Japan as far as opportunities, his phone will never stop ringing. He would be the Michael Jordan of the sport. The impact on the Mets would be massive, and his footprint would grow if that’s possible. But let’s face it. If you’re not in Los Angeles, you can’t compete with the Big Apple, and there isn’t a better market for that. I think the Mets will make another phone call at the trade deadline for sure.