“So, no free agency?” Ohtani won’t go to Mets: ‘Hints’ dropped by traded $170 million ace

“So I thought, ‘I’m not going to pursue free agency this offseason, or I’m not going to build a team that can compete for the World Series next year.”

That’s what Max Scherzer, 39, who joined the Texas Rangers from the New York Mets at the trade deadline, told reporters at his recent introductory press conference. After trading Scherzer and Justin Verlander (Houston Astros) to waive the season, the Mets’ position in the 2023-2024 free agent market is the center of attention.

“Billionaire” owner Steve Cohen acquired both Scherzer and Verlander just a year ago as part of the team’s run to the World Series title. This season, they are 50-59, fourth in the National League East and eighth in the National League wild-card race. They are 7.5 games behind the Cincinnati Reds for the third wild card. This season is a clear failure.안전놀이터

In any case, Cohen’s deep pockets are clearly being eyed by established big-market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees. Furthermore, the Mets are early rumored to be a candidate to sign Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels) in the upcoming free agency. Depending on where the Mets stand, the tone of the 2023-2024 free agency market could change dramatically.

However, according to Schuerzer, general manager Billy Appler has signaled that the team will not be aggressive in the upcoming free agency. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Appler told Schuerzer, “We’re not going to be signing top-tier players in free agency. We’re going to make smaller deals in free agency. We expect the 2024 season to be kind of a transitional year.”

Eventually, Schuerzer heard the Mets’ direction from Appler, overrode his trade veto, and accepted a trip to Texas to try to win a World Series. If Appler does indeed take this stance in free agency, it would remove one of the biggest contenders for Ohtani.

Sports Illustrated’s Angels fan nation, Hall of Fame Today, picked up on Rosenthal’s report on Friday, writing, “The Mets may have written themselves out of the free agent market. The Mets may not be looking for a slugger in free agency.”

Good news for the Angels. They plan to do their best to retain Ohtani in free agency. “The Angels could have one less contender to worry about this winter if they keep Ohtani,” Halos Today wrote.

At this point, the Los Angeles Dodgers are the favorites to land Ohtani. The LA Times also recently reported that. But until the lid is lifted on the free agency market, no one knows the outcome.