MLB teams cannot wait for Shohei Otani to come available. But which teams have the best chance to actually sign the Japanese star?
The 2017 MLB season still has another month before the playoffs, and yet there is a great deal of excitement around the upcoming free agency period. It is expected that Japanese superstar Shohei Otani will leave his home country, and be made available to major league teams.
A two way player the likes of which we have not seen in generations, he has been called the Japanese Babe Ruth. It is easy to understand why, as Otani is armed with a blazing fastball and tremendous power. It is that potential which led to 15 teams making the trek to Japan to see his first appearance on the mound in months.
While he had an inconsistent outing, Otani also established himself as one of the more intriguing international players. If he was to become a free agent, he certainly would not have a shortage of suitors. But, for all the teams that could land Otani, only one will emerge victorious, potentially signing a once in a generation talent.
Which MLB teams have the best chance to sign Shohei Otani? Let’s take a look through the five most likely franchises.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are certainly gearing up for a run at Shohei Otani, even though their typically deep pockets will not help this time.
However, that does not mean that the Yankees do not have a financial advantage. They have made several moves to add money to their international signing pool, and are now sitting at $8 Million. With that money, they could make quite the solid offer to bring the superstar to New York.
Given Otani’s competitive nature, it may be a natural move. His desire to play against the highest level of competition would be matched by playing in the game’s biggest spotlight. However, as Otani wants to be a two way player, he would need to be convinced that the Yankees will let him be that player.
Of course, the Yankees also have to weigh their own history with Japanese free agents. For ever Hideki Matsui and Masahiro Tanaka, there are players like Kei Igawa and Hideki Irabu. While Otani is considered to be a relatively safe investment, no one can truly know how he would adjust to life in New York, and the constant glare of the spotlight.
The New York Yankees are gearing up to make a run for Shohei Otani. If money is the primary factor, they could be one of his top choices.
Boston Red Sox
Just as the New York Yankees have made moves to acquire money for an international signing bonus, the Boston Red Sox have done the same.
The Red Sox are right there with the Yankees, also having $8 Million to spend in their pursuit of the Japanese ace. The typical battles between the Red Sox and Yankees could extend into free agency, and over to Japan.
Heading to Boston would be a decent option for Otani based on the team he would be surrounded by. With Chris Sale as an established ace, the solid Rick Porcello, and the wild card that is David Price, Otani could settle in to Boston. He would not need to be a star right off the bat, and could take his time to adjust to life in MLB.
But would that fit in with Otani’s desire to be the best? After years of being the man in Japan, he would likely start the season as the Red Sox third starter, depending on Price’s health. And, would Otani be allowed to take his turn at bat? With a player like Hanley Ramirez on the roster, the designated hitter spot may not be a place where Otani can take his hacks.
In theory, the Boston Red Sox could be the perfect place for Shohei Otani, at least as a pitcher. However, he may not have a place to take his swings.
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners may not have the financial resources that the Yankees or Red Sox would have for their pursuit of Shohei Otani, but they have other factors working in their favor.
With only $4.75 Million in international money at the start of the signing period, the Mariners will not be able to outspend the opposition. Yet, they may be in an enviable position in regards to inking Otani, able to offer an environment that would suit his personality and interests.
Not only does the Seattle area have a large Asian community, but they also have a roster that would fit what Otani is presumed to be looking for. He would step in immediately as the staff ace, making James Paxton a solid second starter. With veterans like Felix Hernandez, and potentially fellow countryman Hisashi Iwakuma, he would have players ready to mentor him during his trek through the majors.
The Mariners also would have use for his bat in the lineup. He could potentially make appearances in right or as the Mariners designated hitter, giving them more flexibility when filling out the lineup card. And, having a player with the power that Otani possesses as a pinch hitting option would make their bench dangerous.
The Seattle Mariners have had tremendous success with Japanese players. It would not be a surprise if Shohei Otani continues that legacy.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers do not have nearly the international signing room of these other teams, but that may not stop them.
In fact, back on August 20, eight members of the Dodgers organization went to Japan to watch Otani. While he did not pitch in the game, he threw a bullpen session of nearly 60 pitches, then proceeded to go 3-3 with a walk in the game. With Andrew Friedman and Orel Hershiser amongst the Dodgers group that traveled to watch Otani, the interest is certainly there.
Heading to the National League would allow Otani to fulfill his desire to hit, although it would be during his time as a pitcher. Without the designated hitter, and with the Dodgers crowded outfield situation, it may be difficult to get him in the lineup. However, the Dodgers outfield is not exactly a paragon of health, potentially allowing Otani plenty of opportunities to head out to right.
The Dodgers also have a player in Kenta Maeda that can help ease Otani’s transition stateside. As one of the top pitchers in Japan prior to his own journey to MLB, Maeda has gone through the media whirlwind that Otani would face. And, of course, it would help in having the greatest pitcher in the world in Clayton Kershaw to learn from.
Even if they are in a penalty, the Los Angeles Dodgers may still have a chance at Shohei Otani. After all, they do seem to have a way to get the players they want.
Nippon Ham Fighters
Ultimately, the decision as to whether or not Shohei Otani heads to an MLB mound near us is up to the Nippon Ham Fighters.
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Although Nippon Ham has said they will post Otani if he desires to head stateside, they are under no obligation to do so. Arguably the best player in Japan, both on the mound and in the batter’s box, he is a key part of their success. Would they really let their franchise leave for just the $20 Million posting fee?
Otani also has his future to consider. Not only would he be missing out on a significant payday in Japan, but he would lose money by heading to the United States. At only 23 years old, he is subject to those spending limits, capping what he could earn. However, if he waits two years, and comes over at 25 years old, Otani would be able to get the extraordinary contract that he would have landed before.
Admittedly, this seems like a longshot. The Fighters have been very supportive of Otani’s desires throughout his career, landing the phenom in part because they were willing to allow him to be a two way player. If he decides to test the waters and head over the United States, Nippon Ham is not likely to stop him.
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Who do you think ends up with Shohei Otani next year? Let us know in the comments below!