Plenty of Major League clubs are looking ahead to the expected arrival of Japanese star Shohei Otani, who pitches, plays the field and hits at a superior level than most players.
The 22-year-old batted .322/.416/.588 with 22 home runs and 67 RBIs in 104 games this season for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Otani also pitched in 21 games, starting 20, and went 10-4 with a 1.86 ERA and 0.96 WHIP while striking out 174 and walking 45.
But because current rules under the Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulate Otani would be subject to international signing bonus restrictions, he’s at least one year away from being posted to follow other international talents in coming stateside to start a career in the Majors.
With a strong tradition of signing players from overseas and deep pockets, the Los Angeles Dodgers are widely presumed to be in the thick of bidding for Otani.
Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez joined Team Mexico for their exhibition series against Japan, which Otani is participating in. So Gonzalez used the opportunity to send an encouraging message, via Puro Beisbol:
What a great detail from @Adrian_ElTitan to Japan's star, Shohei Otani, by giving him his autographed jersey with a message included. pic.twitter.com/JDVcmG16X8
— Puro Beisbol (@PuroBeisbolUSA) November 12, 2016
With the current state of starting pitching in the Major Leagues, it is likely that teams will pursue Otani as a starter, although he may be reluctant to give up hitting.
Kenta Maeda has also been spotted at the Tokyo Dome, while Dodgers prospect Alex Verdugo is playing for the Mexico.
