The GM cites Otani’s four-seam fastball as his best pitch, with his curve and slider not far behind. He says Otani also uses a splitter and changeup when the situation calls for them. “Nobody in the world pitches like him,” states the GM. “He has an amazing combination of command and speed and has matured very quickly. He is really smart.”
With his skills not in question, his youthfulness could make him even more attractive to the majors at this point.
Why?
Because he has a lot less wear and tear on his arm than other Japanese pitchers — like Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tsuyoshi Wada and Tanaka — had when they went to the majors. “He will get a lot of money because he has never been overused here,” the GM says. “He was not overused in high school and hasn’t been with the Fighters as well.”