Kyodo News - USA Today Sports
Kyodo News - USA Today Sports

Latest on Shohei Ohtani's meeting with Cubs


by - Senior Editor -

The Shohei Ohtani meetings with different ballclubs appear to be done for now.

The 23-year old prodigy finished up his meeting with the San Diego Padres on Tuesday night and now major league baseball awaits his decision on where he will wind up among his seven finalists.

The Cubs also met with Ohtani on Tuesday and ESPN's Jesse Rogers had some details of the high-priority meeting.

"Epstein is as good, if not better, at articulating a plan as anyone in the game," Rogers said. "Perhaps the Cubs’ initial pitch, which included video testimonials from current players and perhaps their family members, convinced Ohtani’s team that the Cubs should be included in the next round of talks. Some players have been put on notice this week to be ready in case they’re needed in southern California for a face-to-face meeting with Ohtani, according to industry sources."

Never underestimate Epstein's ability to sell a player to his team.

In 2017, Ohtani batted .332 with eight home runs in 65 games. For his professional career, he has hit .283 with 48 homers and 166 RBIs in 403 games. As a pitcher during his career, he has a 42-15 record with a 2.52 ERA and 1.08 WHIP.

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