The Dodgers and Mets needs to be thought of favorites for famous person free agent Shohei Ohtani, one rival exec opined.
He’s not alone on this considering. They’re the groups most clearly keen to spend — although many groups would spend on the one-of-a-kind mega-star.
Mets proprietor Steve Cohen noticed Ohtani play WBC video games in Japan, GM Billy Eppler signed Ohtani as Angels GM, and the in-house perception is the Mets will go massive for Ohtani.
The Dodgers cleared massive payroll partly to set themselves up for Ohtani, it’s believed.
The massive query is whether or not Ohtani would think about New York. 5 years in the past, 5 of his seven finalists have been West Coast groups (exceptions: Cubs, Rangers) and sources say he informed the Yankees he couldn’t envision himself in New York. (His handlers say that doesn’t essentially maintain now).
The Padres’ January name on Juan Soto regarding a possible extension went nowhere, and it appears the Padres are pondering whether or not to dive in with a profitable provide — doubtless $500 million, or extra; say 14 years at $40M per — earlier than Soto reveals he’s the identical participant who dominated with the Nationals. (After all, Soto’s agent Scott Boras additionally doesn’t typically quit free company for superstars.)
One factor to control: Soto allegedly prefers to bat third (to see extra pitches earlier than entering into the field), and he typically bats second in San Diego.
Star Padres nearer Josh Hader is believed open to extension discuss.
The Pirates want to determine how one can bridge the opt-out challenge that’s the hurdle in extension talks with star middle fielder Bryan Reynolds. Reynolds, who’s within the high two within the NL with 5 homers and 14 RBIs (he’s one HR behind Pete Alonso and leads in RBIs), appears keen to remain a Pirate, and an extension could be a coup for the beaten-down Pirates, who’re off to a scorching begin.
Sources say the Pirates are exhibiting a willingness to maneuver cash round within the $100M, seven-year extension dialogue held up by Reynolds request for an opt-out after Yr 4. It’s comprehensible why the Pirates don’t need to try this as they have already got him managed for 3 years.
The Bucs additionally stated no on a full no-trade. Choose-outs are harmful, however contemplating the truthful monetary phrases a no-trade clause looks like a good compromise. If one thing isn’t finished quickly, they could have to desk it.
Good job by the Cubs to delay Ian Happ’s free company by three years. Although he isn’t the middle fielder Brandon Nimmo is, they obtained him for $101M much less. Can’t blame anybody for wanting to remain in Chicago, although.
