Today, Shohei Ohtani was diagnosed with a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his pitching elbow, Angels GM Perry Minasian informed reporters. As of now, Ohtani is not scheduled for surgery but that could change in the near future.

It’s no surprise that the injury will prevent the Japanese starting pitcher/designated hitter from hitting the mound.

While this post may garnish a few hundred “Who Cares?” and/or “So what?” comments throughout the social networks, this is an injury that very well impact the future of the Mets.

Ohtani was reportedly Steve Cohen’s and the Mets number one target this winter, after a disappointing 2023 from the Orange & Blue. A season that included trading away two future Hall of Famers for three prospects that could potentially change change the team’s trajectory.

We’ll see in the coming days if Ohtani decides to call it quits this year and goes for surgery before the offseason comes along.

The 3x all-star was posting a 3.17 ERA in his 22 starts. He’s struck out 165 batters in 130.2 innings pitched while putting up a 10-5 record on the campaign.

In the batters box, this beast has 43 home runs and a .304/.406/.659/1.065 slash line in 461 at bats. Just wow.

I’m sure the Mets will be heavily involved once he’s a Free Agent, however, I’d imagine his price tag to drop significantly. And if that’s the case, he may choose not to chase the almighty dollar, but the comfort of his family.