Eduardo Perez believes Shohei Ohtani will be the perfect fit for the Mets - "He would be perfect with Billy Eppler in New York"

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has begun talking with higher-ups in the organization about the prospect of signing two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, according to reports.

Ohtani, a two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Angels, is set to become an unrestricted free agent next winter, and there are rumblings that the Mets will prioritize signing him. Given how the Mets have spent their money this offseason, it's difficult to rule out the possibility that they may sign any future elite free agents who become available if they fulfill their needs.

According to former player Eduardo Perez, Ohtani would be a great signing for the Mets.

"He would be perfect with Billy Eppler in New York," Perez said on MLBNetworkRadio. "The Mets are already paying an obscene amount when it comes to tax and stuff."

"If Ohtani were to be a Met, it would benefit the two elder statesmen that are there. At their stage in their career, they could benefit from the extra day off."

The Mets will be eyeing Shohei Ohtani next offseason

Billy Eppler, the current general manager of the New York Mets, is the only front-office executive outside of the Los Angeles Angels who has sufficient knowledge about Shohei Ohtani. The signing of Ohtani from Japan in 2017 was perhaps Eppler's biggest move while serving as the Angels' general manager from 2015 to 2020.

"Per Sources Shohei Ohtani’s agent Nez Balelo informed the Angels if he were to be traded he wishes to go to the Mets. Mets GM Billy Eppler was the GM in Anaheim when Ohtani signed and yesterday Balelo said Ohtani’s bond with the Angels and Eppler was why he signed there." - MetsBeatReport

To help Ohtani's transition to MLB and convince him to sign with the Angels, Eppler established a strong rapport with him. There is a level of comfort and familiarity for all parties, as Eppler had also been scouting Ohtani for nearly four years before he made the decision to take his talents abroad.

"Ohtani, Ippei and Billy Eppler at the BBWAA awards dinner" - alio_o875

Given that Steve Cohen is the richest owner in baseball by a wide margin and has stretched his financial muscles since taking over the team, there will be good money to spend on players. Additionally, Max Scherzer has a $43 million option that he can choose to exercise or renege on, making him a free agent after this coming offseason. Eppler will have enough extra money to spend, either way, to bring Ohtani to Queens.

"Shohei Ohtani is projected to make over $500 MILLION when he hits free agency next offseason," - TheGameDayMLB

While Shohei Ohtani would pitch for the Mets every fifth day, he would also serve as the team's primary designated hitter on days when he does not pitch. While production for 2023 is still unknown, the Mets had a lot of trouble finding a reliable alternative at designated hitter in 2022. Ohtani would stabilize the position for future seasons.