The Dodgers and Mets should be considered favorites for superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani, according to a rival executive.
He’s not the only one with this idea. They’re clearly the team most willing to spend — though many would pay for the one-of-a-kind superstar.
Mets owner Steve Cohen sees Ohtani playing WBC games in Japan, GM Billy Eppler signs Ohtani as Angels GM, and internally believes the Mets will go big for Ohtani.
It is believed that the Dodgers cleared a large salary, in part, to prepare for Ohtani.
The big question is whether Ohtani will consider New York. Five years ago, five of his seven finalists were West Coast teams (exceptions: Cubs, Rangers), and sources say he told the Yankees he couldn’t imagine himself in New York. (His agent said it might not be true now).
Mets and Dodgers considered frontrunners for Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 service By.
priest Their appeal to Juan Soto for a possible extension in January went nowhere, and the Padres appear to be considering whether to put in the winning bid — perhaps $500 million, or more; say 14 years at $4,000 each. million — before Soto proved he was the same player who dominated the Nationals. (Of course, Soto’s agent, Scott Boras, doesn’t waive superstar free agency too often.)
One thing to note: Soto reportedly prefers No. Three hits (see more pitches before going into the zone), and he’s at times second in San Diego.
Star Priest approached Josh Hader considered for extended talk Be open minded.
Pirates need to figure out how to fix the opt-out problem, which is A snag in extension talks with star center fielder Brian Reynolds. Reynolds, who is in the top two in the NL with 5 homers and 14 RBIs (he’s an hour behind Pete Alonso and leads in RBIs), seems willing to stay on as the Buccaneers, and the extension will be for the defeated Buccaneers Coup, who is a hot boot.
Brian ReynoldsGetty Images
Buccaneers expressed willingness to move money in discussions of $100 million seven-year extension Reynolds requested after Year 4, sources say opt out. It’s understandable that the Buccaneers don’t want to do that, since they’ve held him for three years.
The Buccaneers also outright rejected the no-go trade. Opting out is dangerous, but given the fair financial terms, a no-deal clause feels like a fair compromise. If something can’t be done sooner, they may need to submit it.
Cubs delay Ian Happ’s free agency For three years, doing well. Even though he wasn’t a center fielder like Brandon Nemo, they got him for $101 million less. Can’t blame anyone for wanting to stay in Chicago, though.
