Jays to make pitch for Otani
Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins is looking to the Land of the Rising Sun in the hope the Jays can once again entertain thoughts of being a World Series contender.
Atkins let it be known Monday at the GM Meetings the Blue Jays are all in trying to acquire two-way Japanese baseball phenom Shohei Otani.
“I think we’re as well equipped as any organization in baseball,” said Atkins, who said it will take more than just money to entice Otani to sign. “Our emphasis on recovery, our emphasis on preparation, our emphasis on what it takes to realize all of your potential is at the forefront. And the fact we’re in the American League and we have the DH spot allows for more patience and more versatility in that area. So I can’t imagine a better fit, quite frankly. He fits about as well as anybody could fit for our team right now and he’s an incredible talent.”
Otani is a unique player in a unique situation. His Japanese club, the Hokkaido Nippon- Ham Fighters, said Friday they would allow Otani to use the posting system this off-season, clearing the way for him to sign with a major league team.
If MLB, the MLB Players Association and Nippon Professional Baseball agree to a deal that would extend the expired posting agreement through the off- season, the team that signs Otani would pay the Fighters US$20 million.
Under MLB’s labour contract, his signing bonus would be restricted, with the remaining pool money limited to $ 3,535,000. The problem is, some teams can offer more of a signing bonus to Otani than others, according to what is left from their allotted international free agent pools.
For instance, the Texas Rangers can offer $ 3,335,000, the New York Yankees $ 3.25 million etc. The Jays aren’t in that range. ( Atkins won’t say what the number is). But Otani has said money is not his priority. He said he wants to play in an environment where he can improve both as a hitter and pitcher and be in a supportive environment.
“Everything we’ve learned about Otani is, it’s baseball first,” said Atkins, outside the Waldorf Astoria Orlando where the GM Meetings are being held this week. “He’s thinking about how he can be one of the best athletes in the world.”
Atkins said he believes there is a place in baseball — particularly in the AL — for a standout two- way player. Otani, 23, is an exceptional right- handed power pitcher and power hitter who has posted a 42-15 record with a 2.52 ERA and 624 strikeouts in 543 innings over five seasons, and a .286 batting average with 48 homers and 166 RBI.
Needless to say, his addition to the Blue Jays would address two of their biggest off- season needs, an outfielder and a starting pitcher. Atkins said they are fully prepared for any scenario involving what it would take to sign Otani.