3 trade deadline rumors Dodgers fans don’t want to hear right now

2. Mets calling Angels about Shohei Ohtani trade

The Dodgers could very well get involved here, too, but Steve Cohen and the Mets have shown a willingness to go above and beyond to get top-tier talent. If the Angels do consider selling and trading Shohei Ohtani — it seems they’re softening on the idea — the Mets have already checked in.

It’s important to note the connection here: Mets’ GM Billy Eppler was the guy who established the relationship with Ohtani and his representation before he signed him in LA. Perhaps Eppler might be able to closely work with his former organization and cut the line to get a deal expedited here. Don’t know! But there’s a lot that lines up for the Mets.

Ohtani on the Mets would undoubtedly shift the balance of power in the NL, too. New York would instantly jump to “bonafide” World Series contender, boasting a rotation of Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom (if he returns), Ohtani, Chris Bassitt and Taijuan Walker, with guys like Carlos Carrasco and Tylor Megill (when he returns in mid-August) to soak up important bullpen duty. Three aces in that rotation, though.

New York is also in dire need of an effective lefty bat. Francisco Lindor just isn’t doing enough and Brandon Nimmo has been a bit disappointing. Ohtani’s presence changes all of that and really makes the Mets a fearsome October opponent.

Then again, they gotta make it there. We’ve seen them collapse plenty before, even with very good rosters.