Shohei Ohtani Trade Rumors: Mets Among Teams Eyeing Angels Star Before MLB Deadline

The New York Mets are looking to make a splash at this year's trade deadline, and that has led the club to make a call on one player that is seen as being untouchable.

Billy Eppler has been in contact with the Los Angeles Angels about Shohei Ohtani. The Halos have maintained that they don't want to move him.

The Mets have always pursued stars. The club signed three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer ahead of the 2022.

Eppler was the general manager of the Angels from 2015 to 2020 and signed Ohtani in the same year.

In addition, Eppler has a good relationship with Ohtani, and he would be interested in bringing the two-way star to New York at any point, whether it's before the August trade deadline or when he becomes a free agent.

Reports about Ohtani's future in L.A. have grown in recent weeks as the Angels continue to struggle.

Ohtani would be hesitant to re-sign with the Angels if they don't win a World Series title. He'll be one of the most sought-after players in baseball history if he leaves.

Despite the Angels' struggles, Ohtani is having another solid season, with 20 home runs, 57 runs, and 10 stolen bases. He has a record of 9-5 on the mound with a 2.80 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 134 strikeouts across 16 starts

The Mets are currently leading the NL East with a 59-37 record and would be favorites to win the World Series if Ohtani joined them.

He'd join a rotation that includes Max Scherzer, Chris Bassitt, Carlos Carrasco, Taijuan Walker and eventually Jacob deGrom, and would give the team an added boost on offense at designated hitter.

The Mets will face stiff competition for the Japanese star, who has already won an award and is an All-Star two times. He will not be cheap.