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Shohei Ohtani is likely to decide on his next team within the next week, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported on Sunday. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that bidding for Ohtani’s services has already eclipsed $500 million.
Shohei Ohtani. Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Latest Mets News
The Mets will be among the teams Yoshinobu Yamamoto plans to meet with when he comes to the U.S. within the next week, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. Teams have until January 5 to negotiate with the 25-year-old. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported Sunday that some teams believe the Giants have an edge in the Yamamoto sweepstakes.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Mets have expressed interest in Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. The 2022 KBO MVP batted .318/.406/.455 with six homers, 23 doubles, and 45 RBIs while drawing 49 walks against just 23 strikeouts across 387 plate appearances in 2023 before an ankle injury ended his season. Once he’s posted, teams will have 30 days to negotiate with Lee.
Andy Martino of SNY reported Sunday that the Mets are looking for an outfielder, starting pitching, and relievers as Winter Meetings begin today. MMO’s Mike Mayer reported that some agents expect the relief market to be active this week.
Latest MLB News
Alek Manoah has been mentioned in trade talks between the Padres and Blue Jays regarding Juan Soto, according to Jon Heyman. A Cy Young finalist in 2022, Manoah had a disastrous 2023 season, pitching to a 5.87 ERA in 87 1/3 innings and even getting demoted to the Florida Complex League.
Jim Leyland was the lone candidate from the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee to be voted into the Hall of Fame, receiving 15 of 16 possible votes. Leyland managed the Pirates, Marlins, Rockies, and Tigers across his 22-year career as a skipper, compiling 1,769 wins, three pennants, and one World Series title. Former Mets manager Davey Johnson received fewer than five votes, as did Joe West, Cito Gaston, Ed Montague, and Hank Peters. Lou Piniella received 11 votes, while Bill White received 10.
Latest on MMO
Jorge Eckardt writes about why the Mets should use a six-man rotation.
Ari Berkowitz breaks down the Mets’ recent signing of Kyle Crick.
James Villani previews the MLB Winter Meetings from the Mets’ perspective.
On This Date in Mets History
2019: Sterling Partners and Steve Cohen reportedly agree to allow Cohen to increase his investment in the Mets. The deal allows Fred and Jeff Wilpon to remain COO and CEO of the team respectively for the next five years.
Birthdays: Tucker Ashford (69), Stan Jefferson (61), Carlos Gómez (38)
