After weeks of others speculating about his future, Shohei Otani, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters' captivating two-way superstar, finally had his say.
It's not money pulling him toward the major leagues, nor the pursuit of renown. The 23-year-old star simply wants to become the best baseball player in the world, and he's ready to kick the pursuit of his goal into high gear by moving to MLB this offseason via the posting system.
"There are still so many things I'm lacking, and I want to put myself in an environment where I can improve," Otani told a packed house at the Japan National Press Club on Saturday morning, a day after the Fighters announced they intended to honor his wishes and post him.