
As Stanton Watch continues, there is reportedly more offseason news to get Giants fans on the edge of their seats.
The Giants are reportedly finalists for meetings with free agent Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star out of Japan. Jeff Pasan of Yahoo Sports was first to report the news.
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Ohtani, 23, is an ace on the mound who can throw 100 miler per hour and a power hitter who bats from the left side and is a right-hander on the hill. Standing at 6-foot-3, Ohtani hit .332 with eight home runs in 65 games in 2017 for the Nippon Ham Fighters. Over five years as a professional, Ohtani has hit 48 home runs, including 22 in 2016.
On the mound, Ohtani made five starts in 2017 and went 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA. He is 42-15 with a 2.52 ERA and 624 strikeouts in his career as a pitcher.
Bruce Bochy said the following to Insider Alex Pavlovic Friday on Ohtani:
This guy is special. I see him as somebody who could be a starter and it’s possible you’re also looking at 300 or 400 at-bats. It’s going to make it a little easier next year with our days off, looking at the new schedule, to where he could play even more because he’ll get that additional rest. That’ll make it easier, too.
He’s got a great swing. We all know he has a great arm and he’s got the equipment to be a No. 1 starter, but the overall athleticism is what’s so impressive with this guy. He’s got a great arm but he runs well and he’s a good outfielder with a nice swing. He’s got plus power and great plate discipline. You can tell it’s a swing he’s worked hard on. It’s a beautiful swing.
Along with the Giants and Mariners, the Padres, Dodgers, Cubs, Rangers, and Angels are reportedly also finalists.
The Yankees, Red Sox, Twins, A's, Mets, Blue Jays, Pirates, Brewers, D'backs, Braves, Rays, Nationals, and White Sox are all reportedly out on the Ohtani sweepstakes.
Ohtani can negotiate with MLB clubs until 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 22.