Report: Cubs will be "ALL-IN" on Japanese star


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 according to ESPN senior writer Buster Olney.

"The Cubs could have gone after one of the pricier bats in the market, but there is already heavy expectation that Chicago is holding its dollars for something bigger -- the cost of restocking the pitching, for example, and perhaps a potential run at the multi-talented Shohei Otani, the MVP of Japan’s Pacific League," Olney said. "A star pitcher and designated hitter, Otani will be the most sought-after player next winter, and rival executives believe the Cubs will be all-in on that pursuit when the contracts of Jake Arrieta and John Lackey are set to expire."

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 the first player in Pacific League history to be selected as 'Best Nine' as a pitcher and a designated hitter.

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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