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Washington Nationals: Shohei Otani A Nice Fit

By Ron Juckett |
Aug 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A fan displays the flag of Japan in the seventh inning of the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A fan displays the flag of Japan in the seventh inning of the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Miami Marlins at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Nationals should pursue the great talent from Japan, Shohei Otani. Either as a pitcher or an outfielder, Otani is a game changer.

For one of the rare times in baseball history, the top prospect in the game plays outside the United States. The Washington Nationals, when the time comes, should take a hearty interest in Shohei Otani.

Compared to Babe Ruth for his ability to smash home runs and pitch, Otani is a game changer no matter which way he wants to play.

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Although most forget how good a pitcher was with the Boston Red Sox, winning 89 games with an ERA of 2.19 over six seasons, he is remembered for his prodigious power and offense with the New York Yankees.

At 22, Otani is still a raw talent at the plate, but dominates on the mound. Last year, he broke through as a hitter, slugging 22 homers in 104 games while batting .322. His OPS of 1.004 translates to an Adjusted OPS+ of 190 or 90 percent above the average Japan Pacific League hitter.

As a pitcher, he is better. Yes, hard to believe.

In 20 starts in 2016, Otani went 10-4 with an ERA of 1.86. Tossing 140 innings, he allowed 89 hits, walked 45 and fanned 174. Gulp. Broken into ratios, that is 5.7 H/9, 2.9 BB/9 and 11.2 K/9.

Did we mention he is 22?

Because the posting rules changed the last few years on how players from Japan and Korea can play in Major League Baseball, the cap on the fee to release Otani from the Nippon Ham Fighters is $20 million. Then there are limits on how much the Nats can spend on contracts after for international players.

Otani would need to tell Washington he is interested if they were to bid. Winning his rights does not mean said player feels the same way.

As Otani reaches his window to ask for free agency, the curiosity factor alone makes him worth the interest. In a modern game full of specific roles, it is hard to see him continuing as an ace pitcher and an outfielder. The Yankees converted Ruth to a full-time right fielder. Wherever Otani plays, a similar decision will happen.

The Nats window of opportunity does not close when Bryce Harper hits free agency. If the Nats landed Otani, those storm windows would remain wide open for years to come.

Next: Home Run Powers Nats Offense

For a team that minimizes risks, this one is worth it.

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