Shohei Otani Will Leave Japan to Play in MLB After This Season

Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Otani is reportedly planning to leave Nippon Professional Baseball to sign with a Major League Baseball team after the season.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today passed along the update, which comes from a 60 Minutes interview with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters star. Nightengale noted the timing of the decision could end up costing the pitcher and slugger $200 million.

Otani is one of the most intriguing prospects on the planet thanks to his multifaceted skill set.

The 22-year-old three-time NPB All-Star selection hit .322 with 22 home runs and seven stolen bases in 104 games with the Fighters last season. He also excelled on the mound, posting a 1.86 ERA with 174 strikeouts in 140 innings.

Baseball America showcased him in action at the plate:

He's under contract with the Japanese club through 2021, which means a posting system will need to be used for him to come over before free agency. He acknowledged in December the situation has already been talked about with Hokkaido Nippon-Ham, per ESPN.com.

"We discussed the possibility of me going," Otani said. "... The club will respect my wishes whenever I decide I want to go."

The Pacific League MVP was expected to take the global stage last month during the 2017 World Baseball Classic with Japan. He was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury, however, and the two-time tournament champions lost to the United States in the semifinals.

An American League club would seemingly be the ideal fit since he could play every day as a designated hitter and then remain in the lineup when he's starting on the mound. But he does have experience as an outfielder if he lands in the National League.

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