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Yankees have golden opportunity to change their fortunes in Japanese market with HS target

The New York Yankees are expected to be in the running to land Japanese phenom Shoki Oda, and if they do, it would significantly raise the team's profile in Japan.

By Stephen Parello · Yanks Go Yard

Published: Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at 10:14 PM

Key Things to Know

Yanks Go Yard argues the Yankees have a golden opportunity to pursue Japanese high school pitching phenom Shoki Oda.
The 18-year-old Oda plans to bypass the NPB draft to pursue a baseball career in the United States.
Oda is expected to attract interest as an international amateur free agent or via the NCAA and MLB draft.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Yanks Go Yard argues that the New York Yankees have a major opportunity to re-establish their presence in Japan by pursuing Japanese high school pitcher Shoki Oda. The 18-year-old phenom announced he will forgo the NPB draft to pursue a career in the United States, either via the international amateur free-agent market or the NCAA route to the MLB draft.

Writer Stephen Parello highlights that Oda, who already throws 97 mph, could help New York become a premier destination for top Japanese talent. The piece notes this potential signing could build on the Yankees' recent Pacific Rim scouting investments under international scouting director Mario Garza and scout Matt Slater.

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Yankees have golden opportunity to change their fortunes in Japanese market with HS target

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