Browsing through any MLB-related page, the dominant name that consistently stands out is of Shohei Ohtani. The 2023 free agency has become synonymous with the two-way phenom’s exceptional display in major leagues. The entire baseball world is looking forward to finding where he lands this offseason. Though he is expected to have over 10 suitors approach him, a recent update says the New York Mets withdrew themselves from the race.

While not completely ruling out their participation in the free agency market, the focus has now shifted exclusively to a 25-year-old who is set to debut in 2024 — Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Although the team hasn’t officially announced their intentions, a reputable insider has surfaced with this information.

The New York Mets has changed their free agency target

The 29-year-old Japanese pitcher is one of the most valuable free agent this offseason. Though his UCL tear and restricted pitching career are expected to lower his offer value, it is highly anticipated to still be around $500 million. Though the Mets can easily afford the price, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, they leave the chase because they “believe they have no realistic chance to land Shohei Ohtani.”

The reason behind it is not stated, but MLB enthusiasts can easily guess the probable reasons behind the unrealistic chances. The two-way phenom is the brightest player who has earned his place with some of the greatest MLB legends through his achievements. But he still lacks the World Series trophy. With the current condition of Mets, achieving this dream doesn’t seem convincing. In contrast, there are several high-ranked contender teams that chase the 21-century Babe Ruth.

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However, the source indicates that the Mets don’t give up on Yamamoto and are now focusing on him. The Mets performed one of the worse this season because of their defense terribly failing. So, the team desperately needs good pitchers to improve their lineup. If not Ohtani, who else can be the best option to suit the defensive side of Mets? It’s Yoshinobu Yamamoto. His no-hitters and outstanding stats have proved his worth in the Japan league. So, he can be an excellent fit for the Mets lineup to boost their defense. Also, being one of the wealthiest MLB teams, they can afford to spend for the pitcher.

Contrarily, it appears that Shohei Ohtani might not be an option for the Mets, as per another insider’s update emphasizing the same point.

Recent developments regarding Shohei Ohtani have led to altered predictions

As the free agency progresses, new updates often change the situation. A recent incident includes the latest Jon Morosi tweet on the 29-year-old Japanese pitcher. In his latest video, he shared opinions that state, “He (Shohei Ohtani) is probably less concerned about geography and more concerned about the quality of the team he is going to.”

Though money matters, if the quality of the team comes at the top, there’s only a slight chance of the Shotime choosing the Mets. The team has been consistently failing for a few seasons already. Given Ohtani’s profile, there’s no doubt that multiple teams will be vying for the opportunity to sign him.

Read More: When Did Shohei Ohtani Get Drafted?

The free agency is not yet over, so nothing is certain at this point. The insider updates are regularly taking things to a different height. But you can share your thoughts on Yamamoto’s chance to join the Mets to start his MLB journey.

Watch the Story: Young Shohei Ohtani’s Journey To Elite Hitting Proving His Little League Coach Wrong