David Einhorn may have some competition for a stake in the Mets - MLB

Hedge fund/poker god David Einhorn has been assumed to have an all but done deal to buy a minority share in the Mets, but the New York Daily News reports that the Wilpons are talking to other potential investors, even as they continue to try to finalize a deal with Einhorn.

Which is their right, because the exclusivity period for negotiations with Einhorn ended a couple of weeks ago. Einhorn, the Daily News reports, has been driving a hard bargain on some final details, so the Wilpons are talking to others, including commodities trader Ray Bartoszek.

The thinking: Einhorn is still probably going to get his stake, but a deal had better get done soon lest the Mets find others who are willing to give them a sweeter deal.

PHILADELPHIA – Phillies slugger Bryce Harper will miss the start of the 2023 season after he had reconstructive right elbow surgery.

The operation was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.

Harper is expected to return to Philadelphia’s lineup as the designated hitter by the All-Star break. He could be back in right field by the end of the season, according to the team.

The 30-year-old Harper suffered a small ulnar collateral ligament tear in his elbow in April. He last played right field at Miami on April 16. He had a platelet-rich plasma injection in May and shifted to designated hitter.

Harper met Nov. 14 with ElAttrache, who determined the tear did not heal on its own, necessitating surgery.

Even with the elbow injury, Harper led the Phillies to their first World Series since 2009, where they lost in six games to Houston. He hit .349 with six homers and 13 RBIs in 17 postseason games.

In late June, Harper suffered a broken thumb when he was hit by a pitch and was sidelined for two months. The two-time NL MVP still hit .286 with 18 homers and 65 RBIs for the season.

Harper left Washington and signed a 13-year, $330 million contract with the Phillies in 2019. A seven-time All-Star, Harper has 285 career home runs.

With Harper out, the Phillies could use Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber at designated hitter. J.T. Realmuto also could serve as the DH when he needs a break from his catching duties.