What's Happening?
The Oakland Athletics have announced plans to develop Shotaro Morii, a 19-year-old Japanese two-way player, who has been compared to Shohei Ohtani. Morii, who bypassed the Nippon Professional Baseball
draft, signed with the Athletics for a record $1.51 million bonus for a Japanese amateur. The team intends to allow Morii to continue playing both as a pitcher and a position player in 2026 with their Low-A affiliate, Stockton. In 2025, Morii did not pitch but posted a .258/.399/.384 batting line with three home runs in the Arizona Complex League. He is currently ranked as the Athletics' No. 21 prospect according to MLB Pipeline. Morii's pitching arsenal includes a fastball reaching up to 95 mph, a splitter, a 12-to-6 curveball, and a slider, though the latter requires further refinement.
Why It's Important?
The Athletics' decision to develop Morii as a two-way player highlights a growing trend in Major League Baseball, inspired by the success of Shohei Ohtani. This approach could potentially revolutionize player development by maximizing the versatility and value of athletes. For the Athletics, nurturing Morii's dual skills could provide a competitive edge, especially as the team transitions to a new market in Las Vegas. The move also underscores the increasing globalization of baseball talent, as teams look beyond traditional pipelines to find and develop international prospects. If successful, Morii could become a significant asset for the Athletics, both on the field and in terms of marketability.
What's Next?
Morii will spend the upcoming seasons honing his skills in the minor leagues, with a focus on refining his pitching techniques and maintaining his batting performance. The Athletics will likely monitor his progress closely, adjusting his development plan as needed. As the team prepares for its relocation to Las Vegas, Morii's potential debut in the major leagues could coincide with this transition, offering a fresh face to attract new fans. The Athletics' management will need to balance Morii's workload to prevent injuries and ensure his long-term success as a two-way player.
