Shohei Otani to be posted after the 2017 season

[Fan_since_Boggs]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/12/nippon-ham-fighters-planning-to-post-shohei-otani-after-2017-season.html

 

He can hit and pitch. He might be a better fit for the AL where he can pitch every five days and DH on the days he isn't pitching. In the NL, of course, he would be forced to play the field on the days he isn't pitching and that might be asking too much.

 

It sounds like he is a better pitcher than hitter but can do both, and, more importantly, wants to do both. This guy is going to cost 300 million?

 

I was hoping the Yankees would sign Encarncion, but I figured they wouldn't give up a pick or lock themselves into a long term contract with an older player. A-Rod's contract comes off the books next year; I could see the Yankees going all out for Otani. I don't want the Yankees to sign him. Will the Red Sox be able to afford him? If they can get under the cap this year, that would put them in better position to spend big on Otani.

[jacksonianmarch]

The Yankees payroll picture improves dramatically after this season. ARod and CC are off the books. McCann is on only at $5.5 mil per season. Holliday's contract comes off the books. If NYY doesn't get him, I will be hugely surprised Edited December 5, 2016 by jacksonianmarch

[moonslav59]

It's going to be the auction of the century.

[Fan_since_Boggs]

Based on the new CBA, it sounds like Otani will not be coming to the major leagues after the 2017 season:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/report-mlb-not-willing-to-make-exception-for-shohei-otani-210526575.html

 

Instead, Otani will likely come over at age 25 when he is no longer subjected to spending limits on international players.

Edited December 8, 2016 by Fan_since_Boggs