Japanese phenom Shoki Oda is expected to meet with more MLB clubs Friday, including the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros, according to MLB reporter Francys Romero.
The 18-year-old pitching prospect reportedly spoke with the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday and is also believed to be meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Oda could be eligible to sign when the international signing period begins on Jan. 15, provided the looming lockout doesn't delay it.
The right-hander announced in mid-October that he intends to play in the United States, either by signing with an MLB team or attending an American college. The Yomiuri Giants selected him in the first round of the 2026 NPB Draft. However, he opted not to sign with the Japanese powerhouse.
Earlier this year, Oda gained international attention after dominating a prestigious high school baseball tournament in Japan. His fastball touched 97 mph at the event.
Yokohama HS ace Shoki Oda delivers a complete game shutout in the Koshien quarterfinals against Hanamaki Higashi 👀 9.0 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, 123 P, 18 Whiffs 94-96 mph on the fastball, touched 97 multiple times 🔥 https://t.co/L4VLHN9izu
— Yakyu Cosmopolitan (@yakyucosmo) August 18, 2026
For comparison, Los Angeles Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki reached 99.4 mph in high school games.
Oda attended the same school as former MLB pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka, who became one of the most hyped hurlers to come over from Japan ahead of his MLB debut in 2007. Matsuzaka finished fourth in 2008 AL Cy Young voting.
