Ohtani's agent requested written explanations on how he'd fit each team

The initial stages of the bidding for Shohei Ohtani have begun.

Major-league clubs received notice from Ohtani's agent Friday night asking all interested teams to submit written explanations on how the two-way star would fit into their organization, according to The Associated Press. Written submissions were requested in both English and Japanese.

Teams were asked to "evaluate Ohtani’s talent as a pitcher and as a hitter; explain its player development, medical training, and player performance philosophies and facilities; describe its minor league and spring training facilities; detail resources for Ohtani's cultural assimilation into the team's city; demonstrate a vision for how Ohtani could integrate into the team's organization; and tell Ohtani why the team is a desirable place to play."

MLB, the Players Association, and Nippon Professional Baseball agreed on a new posting system for Japanese players this week that will be voted on by club owners Dec. 1. Once the system is approved, Ohtani will officially be posted and will have the freedom to pick his destination. After a club is selected, the two sides will have 21 days to work out a minor-league deal that includes a signing bonus. The winning team for Ohtani's services will then be forced to pay the Nippon Ham Fighters a posting price of $20 million.

It's expected all 30 clubs will take a shot at landing Ohtani. The Texas Rangers and New York Yankees can offer the richest signing bonus. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners appear to be the most aggressive early on, as general manager Jerry Dipoto revealed this week the club has been planning its pitch for Ohtani for the last year.