MLB rumors: New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants

Let's take a look at some of the latest MLB rumors, news and notes, including tidbits on the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants and Shohei Ohtani.

MLB rumors: San Francisco Giants will far short in chase for Shohei Ohtani

In his weekly column for USA Today, MLB insider Bob Nightengale shares some news about the future of Shohei Ohtani ... and San Francisco Giants fans won't be pleased with the plot twist at the end.

"If Ohtani does not sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers or Angels, some executives predict that he’ll end up signing with either the Chicago Cubs or Texas Rangers, while the San Francisco Giants will offer the most money."

So the Giants will offer the most money but not come away with the prize in the Ohtani sweepstakes? That sounds like past seasons where San Francisco fell short in their chases of Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa. If it happens, it will certainly continue a bothersome trend in the Bay Area

MLB rumors: Toronto Blue Jays in line to sign Joey Votto?

With Votto's Hall of Fame career very likely ending with the Cincinnati Reds, Nightengale believes that Votto could be signed by the Blue Jays, putting together what would be a homecoming for the Canadian baseball icon.

In that scenario, Votto could replace Brandon Belt as Toronto's designated hitter, potentially answering a lineup question and giving Votto a chance to finish his career in his home country.

MLB news: Craig Counsell never heading to New York Mets?

When David Stearns was inked as the new president of baseball operations for the New York Mets, many believed it would be a matter of time before Counsell followed Stearns from Milwaukee to Queens. However, Nightengale popped that balloon by writing that, "Counsell was never, ever going to take the New York Mets’ job."

While Counsell was reportedly never heading to the Mets, Nightengale writes that Counsell used the rumors to his advantage on his way to signing a record deal to manage the rival Chicago Cubs.

If that is indeed the case, well played Mr. Counsell.