Latest Phillies rumor suggests they need to go all out for Japanese superstar prospect

The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly among the teams pursuing Japanese pitching prospect Shoki Oda. Oda, an 18-year-old pitcher from Yokohama High School selected by the Yomiuri Giants, intends to bypass NPB to pursue a career in American baseball. The Phillies, Texas Rangers, and New York Mets have met with the right-hander, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees also linked to him among 12 interested MLB clubs.

Oda is eligible to sign as an international amateur free agent starting January 15, though attending an American college remains another option. Phillies scout Toranosuke Otsuka led Philadelphia's delegation in meetings with Oda, who features a fastball reaching 98 mph and a six-pitch mix.