‘Billionaire’ Steve Cohen New York Mets owner’s built-in shopping list Ohtani Shohei (29, Los Angeles Angels) was named.
The New York Post, a New York local media, said on the 14th (Korean time), ‘A rival club executive expressed his opinion that the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers would show great interest in superstar free agent Ohtani. He doesn’t think so alone. The Mets and Dodgers are two of the clubs most unrestrained in spending their money. Of course, many other clubs will spend money to sign one mega star.’ 스포츠토토
The Mets have been consistently mentioned as a team to put an offer on Ohtani since last season when he attracted interest as a reserve free agent. It started with the story that the owner of Cohen said, “Make sure to catch Ohtani.”
Cohen’s owner visited the Tokyo Dome in Japan last month and personally watched Ohtani, who participated in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). When asked why he visited Japan at the time, he replied, “I met my Asian (investment) portfolio manager in Kyoto. And in Tokyo, I traveled with my daughter.” Not many people watched the game and believed his explanation.
In addition, Billy Appler, the current Mets general manager, is a person who once persuaded Ohtani, who knocked on the door of the American Major League ahead of the 2018 season. Appler, who was the general manager of the Angels at the time, captivated the hearts of Ohtani during the recruitment presentation and laid the foundation for the growth of the Angels and a two-time superstar representing the big leagues. It is true that it would have been difficult for Ohtani to handle all schedules as pitcher and hitter without the delicate management of club officials, led by general manager Appler.
It is said that Ohtani’s ransom value will exceed $500 million and now exceed $600 million. Ohtani alone can enjoy the effect of signing a 10-win pitcher and a 30-home run hitter at once, so in a way, it may be a cost-effective contract for $600 million. For Cohen’s fearless spenders, $600 million isn’t too much of a barrier.
However, it is a question mark whether Ohtani will choose the Mets. The New York Post said, “A big question mark is whether Ohtani will consider going to New York. Five years ago, 5 of the 7 final recruitment candidates were Western teams in the United States (excluding the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers). According to the source, Ohtani told the New York Yankees that he couldn’t imagine himself in New York.