Ohtani would transform any lineup, including New York's.
, “He’s going to play until he tells us he’s not.” So, at least for now, the offensive highlights continue.After pitching against him a few times in Japan, Senga said he was excited to face Ohtani. Fittingly, the Mets scheduled their “Japanese Heritage Night” on Friday. Nearly five times as many Japanese media members attended the game than the usual amount that shows for a Senga start. Every time Ohtani walked to the plate, he received a standing ovation.
Even if the Mets end up signing Ohtani — teams on the West Coast seem more likely to be the favorites — he likely wouldn’t be part of the team’s rotation in 2024. Meanwhile, Senga projects to be the surest bet of the Mets’ starters to return next season. And on Friday, Senga again delivered a terrific performance in which he dominated with his signature ghost fork — against everyone but Ohtani, who connected for a hard-hit double in his second plate appearance and later scored.
The double increased to 10 Ohtani’s batted balls this season with an exit velocity of at least 115 mph. In comparison,“The fact that he’s an outstanding hitter hasn’t changed,” Senga said. “The exit velo that he hits is incredible. It has been incredible in Japan. It’s incredible here.”There are also several reasons why many strongly believe Ohtani will still get paid.
Obviously, there’s a new added risk involved. But the buzz in the crowd Friday night sounded a lot like a recruiting pitch.Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Try a week on us.is a staff writer for The Athletic, covering the New York Mets. A native of Queens, New York, Will previously covered the Milwaukee Brewers and Florida Gators football for The Athletic, starting in 2018.
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