Otani excited about MLB move: 'I hope to do my best in America'

If there was ever any doubt about Shohei Otani's intentions for next season, he cleared things up Saturday when he announced he wants to play in MLB in 2018.

"The other day I met with team officials and stated my intentions," Otani said during a press conference in Japan, according to The Associated Press. "My request was met with warm words of support, so I hope to do my best in America from next year on."

The 23-year-old's words come one day after his Japanese club, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, announced they would post the two-way star.

MLB, the MLB Players Association, and Nippon Professional Baseball are expected to revisit using the old posting system for one more season which would create an avenue for Otani to get to the big leagues.

The old posting system requires MLB teams to offer a $20-million posting fee to the Ham Fighters, with only the team that signs Otani having to pay.

Otani would then be allowed to sign only a minor-league contract with a signing bonus - which is limited by international signing pool restrictions outlined in the collective bargaining agreement - because he has less than nine years of service time.

Money doesn't appear to be Otani's sole motivation for coming overseas, though, because if that were the case he could wait until he was 25 to do so and sign without restrictions.

"I am not yet a complete player yet, and I want to go to an environment where I can continue to get better," Otani explained of his intention to play in the big leagues. "I felt the same way when I graduated from high school. And it is my strongest reason for wanting to go now."

Otani - who can both pitch and hit - appeared in 65 games for Nippon Ham in 2017, hitting .332/.403/.540. He also pitched to a 3-2 record with a 3.20 ERA and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings in five starts.