Report: Japanese Teen Star Pitcher Oda Took Meeting With Mets

Eighteen-year-old Japanese pitching prospect Shoki Oda met with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Texas Rangers this week. Oda, who plans to bypass Nippon Professional Baseball to sign directly with an MLB organization, is also scheduled to meet with the New York Yankees. Despite interest from at least a dozen MLB clubs, the Los Angeles Dodgers are widely considered the frontrunners to sign the right-hander.

Oda was drafted in the first round by the Yomiuri Giants but seeks to enter MLB as an international amateur free agent. Scouts project he could command an amateur signing bonus between $3 million and $5 million. The Yokohama High School standout previously set a tournament record by throwing a 97 mph fastball.