Mets Unlikely to Pass up Chance on Shohei Ohtani in Free Agency — MLB Insider

(Photo : Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - Shohei Ohtani (#17) of the Los Angeles Angels looks on during the fifth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The New York Mets may be tightening their belts as of late after ridding themselves of several big contracts. However, it may not necessarily follow that they will pass up the chance to go for upcoming free agent Shohei Ohtani.

The Mets were never mentioned as possible suitors because of their cost-cutting ways. However, MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggests it would be hard to see Mets team owner Steven Cohen passing up a chance to acquire Shotime if the opportunity crops up.

Ken Rosenthal says he thinks the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes comes down to the Mets and Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/DNdwZCEWSc
— Mike Mayer (@mikemayer22) September 26, 2023

Further, Rosenthal suggested that it would be a tug-of-war between the Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers as far as the chase for Ohtani is concerned.

"I still think it comes down to LA versus New York. The Dodgers versus the Mets," Rosenthal said via the New York Post.

One MLB team he sees as unlikely to go through the trouble chasing Ohtani is the New York Yankees. However, anything is possible despite the Yanks already having two high-priced players.

"The Yankees, I don't see them doing this. They got already two $35 million-plus players. They can do it of course, but at the same time as I've said before, every contender, every wanna-be contender, should be in the mix for Shohei Ohtani."

Ohtani surgery may affect big payday

Ohtani opted to undergo surgery for his right elbow after careful deliberation on September 19 at the Kerlan & Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles, CBS Sports reported.

Regardless, he is expected to be ready by the time the 2024 MLB season starts. However, he can only start pitching again by 2025, according to Dr. Neil ElAttrache, who performed the procedure.

His condition is expected to play an important factor in his next contract. Most understand that the 2021 AL MVP will be dangled a $500 million contract in MLB free agency.