Shohei Ohtani Signs with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Not the New York Mets

The news of Shohei Ohtani, baseball’s biggest star, signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of the New York Mets and their owner Steve Cohen may not be surprising to many. It was widely expected within the industry that Ohtani would prefer to stay on the West Coast, and he ultimately agreed to a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers on Saturday.

No Personal Contact from Ohtani’s Agent

Steve Cohen expressed his lack of personal contact from Ohtani’s agent, Nez Balelo of CAA, as a telling sign. When a star player’s representation does not reach out to a team’s ownership, it suggests that discussions never progressed beyond a preliminary stage. This indicates that Ohtani likely had little interest in playing for New York.

The Mets’ Focus on Building for the Future

The Mets have plans to be competitive in 2024 while also prioritizing their long-term goals. They understand that they are not just one player away from making a deep playoff run. Despite having stars like Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, the club recognizes that pitching is their primary need.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: The Mets’ Target

Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 25-year-old star pitcher from Japan, is the most suitable free-agent fit for the Mets. Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns recently traveled to Japan to meet with Yamamoto and his family, and the meeting went well. However, there is competition for Yamamoto’s services, as he is expected to meet with other teams in the U.S.

Yamamoto aligns with the Mets’ goal of sustained success because he is still in the early years of his prime. The Mets have been focused on improving their farm system by making trades for prospects, similar to the strategy employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s presence on the Dodgers’ roster will make it even more challenging for the Mets to compete in the National League.

The Mets’ Pursuit of Yamamoto

While the Mets were never in the running for Ohtani, they remain a significant contender to sign Yamamoto. Their pursuit of Yamamoto demonstrates their willingness to invest heavily in players who can contribute immediately and in the future. However, the player must also have a desire to play for the Mets and be in New York.

(Photo of Steve Cohen: Brad Penner / USA Today)