Plotting For 2024 Already? $17.5Billion New York Mets Owner Flies Across the World to Watch Shohei Ohtani Live

Shohei Ohtani is going to be a free agent after the 2023 regular season. Unless he agrees to a Los Angeles Angels contract extension during the course of the season, which looks unlikely, the Japanese sensation will be the hottest free agent after the 2023 season. Given his incredible talent, there are several teams looking to sign him as a free agent, including the New York Mets. Although the Mets’ interest in Ohtani has never been official, the Steve Cohen-owned team won’t mind landing a generational talent in their clubhouse.

The Mets’ $17.5 billion owner Steve Cohen is reportedly interested in signing Ohtani in the winter. Various sources have documented the Mets owner’s interest in the Japanese phenom. Most recently, Cohen was seen at Japan’s latest World Baseball Classic game, with many calling it a scouting trip.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is watching Japan take on Italy at the World Baseball Classic

Team Japan has been dominant at the World Baseball Classic, with superstar Shohei Ohtani leading the way from both ends. They cruised to a quarterfinal berth with four wins in their group. Most recently, New York Mets owner Steve Cohen was spotted in Japan to watch them take on Italy in the Quarterfinals. This is massive, as the multi-billionaire seems intent on signing the two-way phenom. Talkin’ Baseball shared that Cohen is attending the game via Twitter.

In a Tweet, Talkin’ Baseball said, “Steve Cohen is at the World Baseball Classic game in Japan”. Many see this as a move to scout Ohtani and get a look at his game. Experts have predicted that the Japanese two-way phenom will sign a contract worth around $500 million. This is a massive investment for any baseball team and its owner to make.

Read More: Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History Yet Again Amid World Baseball Classic Heroics

During the WBC, Ohtani has played some elite baseball, delighting fans with big hits and pinpoint pitching. He has helped Japan dominate, only further cementing his place among baseball’s top stars. If and when he hits free agency, there will be multiple teams vying for his signature.

The Mets are among the early favorites to land Shohei Ohtani in free agency

With Shohei Ohtani set for free agency following the 2023 season, many experts have predicted his next team. Among those teams is none other than the New York Mets, who appear to be one of the top candidates. It will be interesting to see if Ohtani does indeed sign with them. 

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The 2023 season will be massive for the Japanese two-way phenom, as it will set him up for the free agency. What do you think of New York Mets owner Steve Cohen going to watch Shohei Ohtani play live? Please share your thoughts below!