Shohei Ohtani has caught the attention of the Big Apple. The Los Angeles Angels star has wreaked havoc in New York, even though his pitching abilities have been limited. Nevertheless, the last three seasons have shown baseball fans that Ohtani would be an asset should he join any New York team. The Mets clearly want him, with billionaire owner Steve Cohen linked to the Japanese phenom in the past. Despite this pursuit, the team is not above having some money mattered fun.

In the second game of Angels vs. Mets, Sho-time broke a scoreboard light in a home run that turned foul. The Citi Field scoreboard operator put up a hilarious message demanding re-compensation for MLB’s highest-paying team. And it seemed that they were not done yet the next night.

Citi Field Meekly Bows to Shohei Ohtani Supremacy

While the first message told the two-way phenom, “We’re sending you the bill, Shohei,” the second message was a little more polite. As the two teams got ready for the rubber game of the series, the Citi Field scoreboard operator had only a humble request for the home run-hitting sensation. “Please don’t break anything else, Shohei,” read their message.

Hilariously, the team’s owner is a billionaire who has invested in every single Mets player with his deep pockets this year. But apparently, he can’t afford to fix a scoreboard lightbulb! Has Steve Cohen put aside his pursuit of Ohtani to New York? Or is it simply another piece on the board to keep the Angels player’s attention?

Despite his injury concerns, a torn UCL whose severity remains unknown so far, the 29-Year-Old will be a highly sought-after free agent come fall. Most clubs realize that such a player will only be free to make a grab in rare instances, be he injury-hampered or not. And Cohen is sure to go after him because he can certainly afford to pay the $500 million contract that is expected on the Japanese phenom’s part.

The question is, what team can survive Sho-time and come out alive at the other end?

Is Japanese Two-Way Phenom No-longer an Asset?

It’s a universally known fact that the better the player, the greater the risk. Over the past three years, Shohei Ohtani has performed as a fusion of two elite players within a single remarkable individual. In a league where it’s difficult to stand out in even one respect, Shohei Ohtani does it in both.

READ MORE – Two-Way Phenom Shohei Ohtani’s New York Mets Chances Get a Reality Check From Renowned MLB Insider

Among pitchers, his throwing stats have never been better. Among batters, his hitting stats have never been stronger. It raises the question – what can’t he do? But consequently, if one ability is hampered, will the other be too? Sho-time will not pitch again this season and will likely require offseason surgery.

The last time Ohtani had Tommy John surgery was in 2018, and it took him almost two seasons to recover. It could be even longer this time, and while he won’t pitch, his hitting will be affected too. Teams will make an offer keeping this in mind and must build a roster that can survive without the Japanese player on it too.

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