Morning Briefing: Several Teams Still in the Mix for Ohtani
Good morning, Mets fans!
Several MLB teams, including the Dodgers, Giants, and Cubs, are reportedly pursuing the two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The Padres, Rangers, Red Sox, Yankees, and others are also in the mix, while the Angels hope to retain Ohtani. The Cubs are considered a potential threat, but there are suggestions that Ohtani favors southern California.
Another Japanese star, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, with a remarkable 1.82 ERA, is drawing interest from various big-market teams, with the Dodgers speculated to be able to afford both Ohtani and Yamamoto. The potential concern about playing second fiddle to Ohtani does not seem to deter Yamamoto’s interest, according to his handlers.
Now onto the morning briefing!
Shohei Ohtani. Photo by Roberto Carlo
Latest MLB News
Aaron Nola and the Phillies reached a $172 million, seven-year deal, bridging a $100 million gap between the initial $100 million offer and the $200 million asking price, notes Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Despite leaving a few million on the table, Nola chose the Phillies over other interested teams, including the Cardinals and Braves.
Heyman also notes that the Rangers aim to re-sign Jordan Montgomery, given his impressive 1.29 ERA in the ALCS against Houston. Despite interest from his former teams, the Yankees and Cardinals, Montgomery excelled with the Rangers on their path to the World Series. Interestingly, he did not start any playoff games for the Cardinals in their brief 2022 postseason, and the Yankees did not include him in their playoff rotation for 2022.
Jeeho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency reports that the Kiwoom Heroes are ready to post outfielder Jung-Hoo Lee in early December. They provided Lee’s medical records to the KBO on November 22, and after the league reviews them, they will be sent to MLB. Considering the Thanksgiving weekend, it is expected that Lee will be officially posted in early December.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post writes that the Braves and Cardinals are reportedly interested in acquiring pitcher Sonny Gray, while the Tigers and Twins are showing interest in pitcher Kenta Maeda. Additionally, Shota Imanaga, a standout Japanese left-handed pitcher who secured the WBC clincher, is expected to be posted by early next week.
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On This Date in Mets History
2005: On this date in 2005, the Mets acquired Carlos Delgado from the Florida Marlins in exchange for Mike Jacobs, Yusmeiro Petit, and Grant Psomas. The move concluded a pursuit by GM Omar Minaya that spanned over a year. Initially attempting to sign Delgado as a free agent after the 2004 season, Minaya’s efforts, including assistance from Carlos Beltran, were unsuccessful. A previous attempt involving Tony Bernazard‘s reportedly insulting negotiation tactics led to Delgado signing with the Marlins. In his four seasons with the Mets, Delgado slashed .267/.351/.506 and with an OPS of .857 and 339 RBI on 104 home runs in Queens.
Birthdays: Jason Jacome (53)
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