Baseball / Japanese Baseball

Shohei Otani selects Nez Balelo as agent

Kyodo

SAPPORO – Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters star Shohei Otani, who is expected to move to the majors this offseason through the posting system, has chosen Nez Balelo as his agent, a source said Tuesday.

Balelo has also represented outfielder Norichika Aoki, who has played for seven big league clubs and pitcher Junichi Tazawa of the Miami Marlins.

Otani went through the process of selecting his agent together with his lawyer, according to the source.

The Fighters told the 23-year-old right-hander during contract renewal negotiations last December that they are willing to approve the use of the system for him to move to the big leagues.

“There is no change,” a senior team official said Tuesday of Nippon Ham’s position concerning Otani’s move. “For today, it’s just that his agent was decided.”

The posting system allows NPB players, who do not have the requisite nine years of professional experience to gain international free agency, to be put up for bidding by MLB teams.

GET THE BEST OF THE JAPAN TIMES
IN FIVE EASY PIECES WITH TAKE 5

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

LATEST BASEBALL STORIES

U.S. outfielder Jo Adell belts a solo homer in the seventh inning against Japan in a Super Round game at the Premier12 on Tuesday at Tokyo Dome.

U.S. hands Japan first loss at Premier12: Japan had usually been able to find a way to come up with the big hit or big play when it absolutely needed to at this Premier12. The difference on Tuesday night was the Japanese found th...

Samurai Japan pinch runner Ukyo Shuto steals second base in the seventh inning on Monday against Australia in a Premier12 game at Zozo Marine Stadium.

Samurai Japan pinch runner Ukyo Shuto showcases speed against Australia: Ukyo Shuto might not need his bat and glove. But he can still be a difference maker for Samurai Japan in the Premier 12 and beyond. Monday's game against Australia in its Super Round ope...

Mexico's Matt Clark, a former Chunichi Dragons player, belts a fourth-inning homer against Australia in a Premier12 game on Tuesday at Tokyo Dome.

Former NPB slugger Matt Clark helps spark Mexico in Premier12 victory over Australia: Matt Clark got the fastball he was looking for and crushed it. The ball landed near the stairs leading to the concourse in the rear portion of the stands in right field at Tokyo Dome and Clark t...