Shohei Ohtani’s name has been linked to the Mets as his free agency and potential trade availability nears, mainly because the Mets boast the richest owner in baseball, and a GM in Billy Eppler who lured Ohtani to the Angels at his former job.
But what about the team in the Bronx? Tiki wants to see the Bombers go all in for the biggest star on the planet, even if it means parting with their promising rookie shortstop.
“What if the Yankees went all in on Shohei Ohtani and offered up Anthony Volpe?” Tiki said. “Because there’s insurance behind Anthony Volpe, and that’s Oswald Peraza. He’s a really good shortstop. Maybe his bat isn’t as loud…but he’s a great defensive shortstop. He’s your insurance, should Volpe not be the guy.
“What happens if you trade Volpe for Ohtani, who becomes the guy with Aaron Judge, then Stanton becomes less important, Rizzo becomes less important. I know it’s Anthony Volpe, but who’s the most valuable player you can part with and not have an issue? Because Peraza is behind him…and you make less of a hole in your starting rotation.”
BT doesn’t see the Yankees committing nearly $1 billion to two players, as Judge is under contract for nine years, but Tiki says the profit the franchise would see as a result of having two of the biggest stars in the sport would make it well worth it for Hal Steinbrenner.
“Hal cares about the business,” Tiki said. “The gate is full every day. Every time Ohtani pitches, it’s standing room only. The revenue just goes up five times. All of a sudden, the Yankees become must-watch baseball. Not just New York, but everywhere.”
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