Sources: A-Rod May Buy The Mets

Several sources point to Alex Rodriguez as the potential new owner of the Mets after an upcoming auction.

A-Rod vs Cohen?

An auction for the team is coming up and many believe that Alex Rodriguez is all but ready to jump in as a long-time Mets fan. The New York Post received information from both baseball and Wall Street insiders of Rodriguez’s interest in the team, with one of his allies making the argument that since he’s both a baseball man and a businessman, it’s all but natural to be looking at such an opportunity.

A-Rod is known to have idolized Keith Hernandez as a young man, looking to sign with the Mets as a free agent in 2000, although that dream was put to an end by the team’s then-GM Steve Phillips and his disinterest in working out a contract with Rodriguez and the idea of a “24-plus-one roster.” Rodriguez then signed a 10-year deal with the Texas Rangers, before being transferred to the Yankees following the 2003 season.

Despite sources believing that a bid from Rodriguez is quite a long shot, a group bid could happen if the Yankees star turned-businessman finds a few investors to help him out. A-Rod’s love for the Mets and talks with his wife about buying a team after Derek Jeter’s Miami Marlins deal, however, point that he’s definitely going to be present at the auction.

Rodriguez could get quite a fight for the team though as billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen also has an interest in the team, previously walking away from a $2.6 billion deal after learning that the Wilpon family would keep control for the first five years of his ownership.

The auction will not feature the five-year transfer window, and some believe that A-Rod could fail to win the bid should Steve Cohen participate. Neither of the two have commented on the speculation yet