Free agency is a massive occasion for baseball stars as it can make or break their careers. Perhaps the biggest upcoming free agent is none other than Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. The New York Mets were rumored to be among the top suitors for Ohtani. But a top MLB insider has shared a troubling update for the Mets in the sweepstakes for the two-way phenom. 

Ohtani has started the 2023 season on fire, carrying over his dominant form from last season. He has shown great batting play, but his pitching has been particularly elite. And considering his two-way gameplay, his free agency will see a bidding war, with the Mets seemingly at a disadvantage. 

MLB insider Jon Heyman says that Shohei Ohtani doesn’t see himself signing in New York

Following the 2023 season, there is going to be an intense bidding war to sign Shohei Ohtani in free agency. The New York Mets seemed to be a top landing spot for Ohtani, but MLB insider Jon Heyman believes otherwise. Heyman recently revealed that the Japanese star couldn’t envision himself in New York when he first arrived in the MLB. This may or may not influence his decision in free agency. But it deals a blow to the Mets’ chances of acquiring him, especially if New York is not his preferred destination. GENY Mets Report shared Heyman’s take on the situation via Twitter.

According to GENY Mets Report, Heyman said, “Mets owner Steve Cohen saw Ohtani play WBC games in Japan, GM Billy Eppler signed Ohtani as Angels GM, and the in-house belief is the Mets will go big for Ohtani.” Heyman further said, “The big question is whether Ohtani would 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 envision himself in New York. (His handlers say that doesn’t necessarily hold now).” 

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This may have massive implications for the other teams pursuing Ohtani in free agency. It will be interesting to see which team the Japanese phenom signs for, with a $500 million deal being predicted.

The Mets still remain among the top predicted destinations for Ohtani

Most experts predict that Shohei Ohtani will sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Other than them, the New York Mets and the New York Yankees are the two other teams touted for his signature. There is little chance that he re-signs with the Los Angeles Angels following a disappointing 2022 season. That may change during the current MLB campaign, but it seems unlikely.

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What do you think about Jon Heyman’s latest update concerning the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes? Do you think he will sign with the Mets? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!