TOKYO -- Japanese pitcher Shohei Otani says he could move to the major leagues after the 2017 season.
The 22-year-old right-hander, who has also put up big numbers at the plate, signed a $2.37 million contract for next season with the Nippon Ham Fighters on Monday.
Otani will not become eligible for free agency until after the 2021 season and will need the Fighters' approval to negotiate with a major league club through the posting system before that time.
He says "we discussed the possibility of me going. ... The club will respect my wishes whenever I decide I want to go.