An 18-year-old baseball prodigy, Shotaro Morii, has made waves by opting for a direct path to the United States' minor league system. Instead of following the traditional route through Japan's professional ranks, Morii signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics on the first day of the 2025 signing period. The agreement includes a significant signing bonus, marking a bold move for an athlete at such a young age. Morii expressed his determination to pursue his dreams without regrets, emphasizing his aspiration to become a prominent two-way player in MLB. This decision reflects a growing trend among top Japanese prospects who are seeking early exposure to international competition.
Morii’s journey began long before this pivotal moment. A versatile athlete capable of both hitting and pitching, he has been honing his skills since childhood. During his high school years at Tokyo’s TOHO Junior and Senior High School, he demonstrated exceptional talent, hitting 45 home runs over three seasons while also excelling on the mound. His dual abilities have drawn comparisons to Shohei Ohtani, though Morii remains humble about such comparisons, focusing instead on narrowing the gap between himself and his idol.
The Athletics’ interest in Morii stems from his remarkable combination of athleticism and passion. Assistant General Manager Dan Feinstein highlighted Morii’s potential, noting that his physical prowess is matched only by his unwavering commitment to the sport. The team’s scouting efforts, led by Steve Sharpe, Adam Hislop, and Toshiyuki Tomizuka, played a crucial role in securing this promising talent. Feinstein explained that their relationship-building with Morii and his family was instrumental in convincing him to join the organization.
Morii’s decision to bypass the NPB draft and head straight to the U.S. minor leagues underscores his eagerness to immerse himself in a professional environment as quickly as possible. He plans to start his career with the Arizona Complex League Athletics in Mesa, Arizona, where he will begin developing his skills at the lowest minor league level. Despite the challenges ahead, Morii is prepared for the journey, having already taken steps to improve his English language skills. Influenced by the success of fellow Japanese players like Ohtani and Hideki Matsui, Morii sees this move as a critical step toward achieving his ultimate goal.
The Oakland Athletics have shown confidence in Morii’s potential, viewing him as part of their future plans. As the team prepares to transition from Oakland to West Sacramento and eventually Las Vegas, they see Morii as a key asset in building a competitive roster. Morii’s ambition to emulate the success of Japanese legends while forging his own path sets the stage for an exciting chapter in his career. With dedication and hard work, he aims to prove that he can indeed become one of the next great players from Japan.