World Baseball Classic: Shohei Otani May Be Two Way Player
By David Hill
The days of the two way player in Major League Baseball have long since passed. However, we may get a taste of the future in the World Baseball Classic, as Japanese phenom Shohei Otani may pitch and take his cuts in the batter’s box.
Shohei Otani has already captured the imagination of baseball fans stateside. The record holder for the fastest pitch in Japanese baseball history, Otani also won this year’s Home Run Derby and has proven to be a special talent on both sides of the ball. It is no surprise that, should he be posted by the Nippon Ham Fighters, that virtually every team in the MLB would be interested.
Although that may not happen this offseason, baseball fans may get a taste for what the potential two way player has to offer soon. Hiroki Kokubo, manager of the Japanese entry in the World Baseball Classic, indicated that not only will Otani pitch, but he will also be given the chance to hit as well.
It certainly makes sense for he Japanese team to make use of Otani’s talents. A potential game changer either on the mound or with the bat, Otani may well be the best player in baseball who is not currently in the Majors. He posted a 10-4 record with a 1.86 ERA and a 0.957 WHiP, striking out 174 batters in his 140 innings last season. Meanwhile, on those days when he played in the outfield, Otani had a .322/.416/.588 batting line, hitting 18 doubles and 22 homers in 323 at bats.
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Even if Otani played on just one side, he would be an intriguing prospect for Major League teams. At just 22 years old, he may well be the top pitcher in the Japanese League, a potential ace who combines solid control and an incredible ability to keep the ball in the yard. He is the type of pitcher who could potentially come in and immediately slot in as a second starter immediately.
Although the expectations are that Otani will eventually become just a pitcher, his offensive capability is also intriguing. He has displayed excellent power, and could well be a prospect as an outfielder if something happened to his arm. With Otani, there are plenty of options.
As teams look to find ways to maximize roster space, we may see more attempts at a two way player. The San Diego Padres are already looking to make Christian Bethancourt into that type of utility man, as they are looking to use the catcher/outfielder as a reliever as well. Otani may be that next step; a top of the rotation starter who could also be used in the outfield, or as a designated hitter, on his days off.
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Shohei Otani, if posted, would have a legitimate chance at becoming the highest paid player to come over from Japan. Should he be a two way player for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, MLB fans would get to see why.