Mets Owner Comments on Shohei Ohtani Free Agency Rumors

After this winter's massive spending spree, it's clear that New York Mets owner Steve Cohen will do whatever it takes to help his team win a championship. There's no star he won't sign and no contract that's out of his price range.

That's why many baseball fans are expecting the Mets to gobble up former MVP Shohei Ohtani when he hits the market next offseason. With Ohtani set to command a $400 million or potentially even a $500 million deal, New York is one of the few teams that can seemingly afford him.

While Cohen is surely interested in the two-way superstar, he refused to commit to pursuing him just yet.

Shohei Ohtani Rumors

When asked about Ohtani, Cohen deflected the question by saying he wants to focus on the upcoming season and cross the Ohtani bridge when they get there.

Indeed, the outcome of the 2023 season will likely have a major effect on whether the Mets decide to go after Ohtani. If they win the World Series this year, they may pump the breaks next offseason and rein in their spending a bit. If they fall short, however, they may go all-out again like they did this offseason.

Time will tell how the season plays out and if Ohtani will even be available. The Los Angeles Angels could still try to extend him before he reaches free agency, and New York will surely have competition for his services from other big-market teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.

It's telling that Cohen didn't rule out Ohtani, though, which at least implies that he's considering it.