Did Max Scherzer spill the beans that the New York Mets aren’t going after Shohei Ohtani and other free agents?
That’s the question many are asking on Tuesday afternoon after an eye-opening report by The Athletic left many surprised. Scherzer, who the Mets recently traded to the Texas Rangers, voiced displeasure to the media before the big trade. As The Athletic uncovered, that was just the tip of the iceberg.
Ken Rosenthal posted an article and said, “Max Scherzer details talks with Mets brass: Team taking step back to build for 2025-26.”
Max Scherzer details talks with Mets brass: Team taking step back to build for 2025-26. Story: https://t.co/8u90fUpKJo
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 1, 2023
One particular passage uncovered made a massive reveal, as one user pointed out. Scherzer spoke with Mets general manager Billy Eppler, who indicated that the team does not plan to pursue any “upper-echelon free agents” this coming off-season. The team is instead planning to focus on building toward the years 2025 and 2026. Considering that Scherzer was brought in to win now, that obviously didn’t sit too well with him, ultimately leading to the trade.
So whether the Mets opt to steer clear of Shohei Ohtani is still yet to truly be seen. But, if that conversation is any indication, the free-spending Mets might not be big players for the two-way superstar after all. Many have linked Ohtani to the Mets due to owner Steven Cohen and his big checkbook. However, it seems like that might not be the case.
The MLB world reacted to the news.
Max Scherzer just spilled the most beans you can spill. pic.twitter.com/bIhLO6YkQe
— Aaron (@AaronCornielle) August 1, 2023
“I was like, ‘So the team is not going to be pursuing free agents this offseason or assemble a team that can compete for a World Series next year?’ He said, ‘No.'"
Incredible story from Ken, with eye-opening quotes from Max. https://t.co/UKWvBJFYIF
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) August 1, 2023
https://twitter.com/Sam_Neumann_/status/1686475894888554498
Sounds like the Mets will not be participating in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes this offseason, meaning there shouldn’t be a team that outbids the Dodgers https://t.co/NVtdS1ly0t
— Blake Harris (@BlakeHHarris) August 1, 2023
I certainly did not expect confirmation on August 1st that the Mets would be out on Shohei Ohtani https://t.co/GeU5fvYZhB
— FullCountTommy (@FullCountTommy) August 1, 2023
