The only reason Shohei Otani won't be Japan's breakout star at the 2017 World Baseball Classic is because everybody is already talking about the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters star.
He can throw 160 kph and hit home runs beyond 130 meters. The wonders of the internet means most fans have at least seen clips. Next year's WBC won't be so much of an introduction as much as confirmation one body can indeed possess so much talent.
Otani was front and center during Japan's recent exhibition series, which saw the team play two games apiece against Mexico and the Netherlands as a way to prepare for the WBC. Japan manager Hiroki Kokubo used Otani exclusively as a hitter, and the 22-year old didn't disappoint.