When it comes to an up and coming ball player being compared to a familiar face, there are few comparisons that will make you stop in your tracks. One exception is Shohei Otani, who is being called the “Babe Ruth” of Japan.
Talk about a compliment.
This guy can do it all. He has thrown from the mound at 100 mph, shows power with his “lethal left-handed swing” and has always shown strength as an outfielder.”
If you want numbers, we have numbers for you.
According to Bleacher Report, Otani went 10-4 with a 1.86 ERA and 174 strikeouts in 140 innings. He was also named MVP of the Japanese Pacific League in 2016 and batted .322 with a career-high 22 home runs. Remember, this is one person.
A known “heartthrob” in Japan, the guy is still in his early 20’s and is being called the “best baseball player in the world.”
“In Japan, the fanbase is a little more toward women, and I think they have huge crushes on these guys,” Chris Martin, formerly of the Colorado Rockies said to Bleacher Report. “They get to giggling. It’s pretty funny to watch.”
He can do it all — a true 5-tool player with perhaps a few extra secret weapons in his possession.
This means just about every Major League Baseball team will be gunning for him in the near future. When he does come to the states, the real test will occur. Then, The Great Bambino talks can be put to rest.