Heed Fort Minor’s advice and remember the name Shohei Otani. Just 20 years old and already the ace of the Japanese National Team, Otani could quickly become the best right-handed pitcher in the world – if he is not already.
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In an NPB pitching environment typically dominated by balance, sequencing, and the ability to outthink the hitter, the 6’3", 189 lb. righty is an outlier. Otani has matched the fastest pitch in the history of NPB, a 162 kph heater (101.25 mph) and his fastball regularly sits in the mid to upper 90s with life. A rare Japanese power pitcher, Otani looks to attack with the fastball first and foremost, most notably including up in the zone with two strikes.
His best offspeed pitch is a low-80s slider with a sharp, downward break. Consistent with the trend of many current pitchers, Otani pronates the pitch through release, helping him generate extra spin and consequently more break. His other breaking ball, a slow curveball reminiscent of the offering thrown by former Fighters’ ace Yu Darvish, is not used often but is effective in freezing a hitter expecting something with more velocity. Finally, Otani offers a mid to upper 80s splitter featuring late vertical drop and horizontal boring action sold well by his arm speed.
Mechanically, Otani is nothing short of brilliant.
Is Shohei Otani the Best Right-Handed Pitcher in the World?