Skip to content

Angels' Ohtani named MLB Pipeline's top overall prospect

Josh Lefkowitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Shohei Ohtani has yet to pitch on North American soil, but the resume he's built over his five seasons in Japan was enough for MLB Pipeline to name the two-way phenom as the top prospect heading into the 2018 season.

Expected to split time between the rotation and designated hitter once he debuts with the Los Angeles Angels, he did it all as a member of the Nippon Ham Fighters since arriving as an 18-year-old in 2013.

For his career, he has hit .286/.358/.500 with 48 home runs and 166 RBIs in 403 games. As a pitcher, he holds an overall record of 42-15 with a 2.52 ERA, 1.076 WHIP, and a 10.3 K/9 over 543 innings.

The Angels signed Ohtani in December following a sweepstakes that featured interest from almost every single team.

Atlanta Braves outfield prospect Ronald Acuna and third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the Toronto Blue Jays' system rounded out the top three. Guerrero is the first player ever to be graded with a hit tool of 80 by MLB Pipeline.

The top 10 is as follows:

Rank Name Team Position
1 Shohei Ohtani Angels SP/DH
2 Ronald Acuna Braves OF
3 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Blue Jays 3B
4 Eloy Jimenez White Sox OF
5 Gleyber Torres Yankees SS
6 Victor Robles Nationals OF
7 Nick Senzel Reds 3B
8 Fernando Tatis Jr. Padres SS
9 Forrest Whitley Astros SP
10 Michael Kopech White Sox SP

With Jimenez and Kopech, the White Sox are the only team to feature two players in the top 10. They are second in volume, however, to the Braves who have a total of eight prospects listed in the top 100.

The full list should be available shortly.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox