For fans of the Yankees or Mets hoping to witness Ohtani in action in their city, the prospects don’t seem promising.
Shohei Ohtani, the superstar from the Los Angeles Angels, is reportedly showing reluctance towards joining two major-market teams frequently discussed as possible destinations for him.
As per Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to lead as the primary contenders to secure the services of the extraordinary two-way player. Additionally, there is a prevailing belief that Ohtani is not inclined towards playing for either the New York Mets or the Yankees.
“The incumbent Angels are interested, as are the Padres.
Padres GM A.J. Preller has little interest in trading Juan Soto and will look into a long-term contract (although that’s a long shot). While Soto isn’t likely to be traded now, that could change if the Padres sign Ohtani.
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The Yankees, Mets and other big-market teams will check on Ohtani, but some believe he’s reluctant to live in New York (or he was six years ago anyway). …”
If this scenario holds true, it appears to be advantageous for the Dodgers and other prominent teams in the western markets. The Mets’ owner, Steve Cohen, holds the distinction of being the wealthiest owner in baseball, while the Yankees have consistently possessed a competitive edge in free-agent bidding, thanks to their substantial financial resources.
The Dodgers consistently contend for the World Series, boasting the allure of the vibrant LA market, a massive fanbase, and the financial capacity to meet Ohtani’s demands. With no playoff appearances during his Angels tenure, joining an NL powerhouse like the Dodgers could provide Ohtani the opportunity to vie for multiple championship rings.
Meanwhile, both the Mets and Yankees are emerging from disappointing seasons. Despite entering 2023 as top World Series contenders, both teams fell short of the playoffs. The Yankees managed a narrow winning record (82-80), while the Mets concluded with 75 wins and 87 losses, missing the postseason for the sixth time in seven years.
Securing Ohtani’s services will undoubtedly require a substantial investment, but any team that succeeds in doing so can expect an enthusiastic welcome from their fanbase.
