Shohei Ohtani is an upcoming free agent, so don’t write the Mets out just yet.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal stated on “Foul Territory” that he anticipated the Mets to be in the running for Ohtani’s services despite the belief that they are more interested in developing a contender a few years from now than they are in the current campaign.

“I am not discounting the Mets. Shohei Ohtani is not someone I can see Steve Cohen just passing on, Rosenthal remarked on the program.

Ohtani is scheduled to become a free agency this winter, and whichever team he chooses to sign with, the baseball legend is anticipated to command a record-breaking contract.

After trading a number of significant contracts at the trade deadline, the Mets weren’t necessarily expected to pursue any high-profile free agents this offseason as they were preparing for a new direction for the franchise.

Cohen, who has not been afraid to spend money in the hopes of bettering his baseball team, however, may find that the allure of Ohtani is too great an opportunity to pass up.

The Mets and the dominant Dodgers, according to Rosenthal, maybe the two remaining teams.

“I still believe that the choice is between LA and New York. The Dodgers and Mets,” according to Rosenthal. The Yankees won’t do this, in my opinion. They already have two players worth at least $35 million. They are capable of doing it, of course, but as I have already stated, Shohei Ohtani should be up for grabs like everyone else.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Mets and Dodgers are in a close race to sign Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/DNdwZCEWSc

(@mikemayer22) Mike Mayer 26 September 2023
The Giants, Rangers, and Mariners were also listed by the baseball source as “at least possibilities” to acquire Ohtani.

This month, an oblique injury forced the two-way sensation to miss the balance of the campaign.

Ohtani had elbow surgery most recently as well, so he won’t start pitching until at least 2025.

Ohtani is still in the running for American League MVP despite injuries shortening his season with the Angels. He hit.304 with a 1.066 OPS while blasting 44 home runs and collecting 95 RBIs.

He made 23 starts and had a 3.14 earned run average.