Few international players have garnered as much attention as Shohei Otani playing for Nippon Ham in Japan. The 22-year-old has dominated in every aspect of the game whether as a pitcher or home run hitter.
In 104 games last season Otani hit 22 home runs with a .322 batting average in Japan as an outfielder. In addition, he made 20 starts and posted a 1.86 ERA with 174 strikeouts in 140 innings.
Otani has expressed to his Japanese club that he wishes to be “posted” for the opportunity to come to North America to play Major League Baseball.