Shohei Otani shuns Nippon Professional Baseball as he aims to play in Major League Baseball - MLB
Shohei Otani plans to make a career in Major League Baseball as he has escaped the Nippon Professional Baseball Draft on purpose.
He is looking forward to be awarded a contract by any Major League club. If he manages to clinch a deal in the MLB, he will be the first Japanese high school boy who has begun his professional career in the United States.
As per reports, Otani boasts amazing credentials for becoming a reliable starting pitcher. He can throw 100 mph and can use his fastballs to great results.
Indeed, he will require some work in order to polish his repertoire and make it at-par with a Major League starter. As far as his potential is concerned, he has not left any doubt in the minds of the scouts.
It will not be a surprise if some of the Major League clubs show interest in acquiring Otani and ink an agreement with him within a few days. The fact he is too young at the moment, 18-years-old, will be making the organisations to send him in the Minor
League first.
Most probably, after passing some years there, he will be considered for the Majors. All depends on how Otani improves and convinces the scouts of his credentials to throw tremendously at any level.
Otani has made a bold move by withdrawing himself from the draft that was taking place on Thursday in NPB.
Before he unveiled his intention, he was being touted to be among the top draft picks. In-fact, he was one of those players that are signed by the teams as soon as they are acquired.
However, he disappointed potential buyers by announcing that he is interested in the Major League.
He has stated that playing in MLB will be a dream come true type scenario. Since admission in high school, he is hoping his future is with MLB.
“I think I will start in the minor leagues but I want to challenge in the majors. It’s been my dream since entering high school,” Otani said.
It will be interesting to see which club signs a contract with him and puts faith in his abilities.
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