Cubs will target 2018 Japanese star who throws 102 MPH


by - Senior Editor -

The Chicago Cubs might not be big spenders this offseason with the acquisitions of Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, and John Lackey last season.

This year's free agent market is not that filled with superstars but look for the Cubs to be players in 2018 for two-way standout Shohei Otani.

"The last thing the Cubs want to do is overspend on a closer when it might cost them the chance to make a run next winter at Japanese pitcher/outfielder Shohei Ohtani – or pursue other opportunities in the future," Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal said.

Otani throws 102 MPH and had a 10-4 record with a 1.84 ERA and 174 strikeouts this season and as a hitter, he batted .322 with 22 home runs, 67 RBIs and a 1.004 OPS. He is only 22 years old and will be eligible to play in the major leagues next seasons with no College Bargaining Agreement restrictions.

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