Jul 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Angels player Shohei Ohtani during the All-Star Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: All Star-Home Run Derby
(Seattle, WA) – Looking ahead to the coming offseason, chances are the biggest storyline will be Shohei Ohtani’s free agency – unless something unexpected happens at the MLB trade deadline.
This week, with the All-Star break underway, both first baseman Pete Alonso and starting pitcher Kodai Senga are representing the Mets at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. Naturally, the pair were asked about Ohtani’s free agency, given the bright lights of New York City – and Mets’ owner Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend big to bring in stars.
“Honestly it is a great city to live in. The city is a really fun place to play and New York’s a great city, we have an excellent fanbase. It’s an incredible place to play, it’s the number one thing,” Alonso said.
As for Senga, when asked about his conversation with Ohtani, he replied, “It’s a secret.”
“I’m going to go put this [Mets] hat on him right now,” Senga said through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara on the eve of the All-Star Game.
We’re not sure if the recruiting pitches will bring the best player in the sport to New York, but it’s certainly worth a shot.
To date, Cohen has inked names like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, and Senga, to notable contracts in free agency. He also owned the club when Francisco Lindor was traded for and signed to a big money deal.
But whatever contract Ohtani eventually signs will blow all of those out of the water. As one of the league’s top starting pitchers and power hitters, his potential market value is truly unprecedented. Add in the fact he’s one of the league’s most popular players, and it becomes clear how many zeroes will eventually be affixed to that contract.
