Yankees and Dodgers pursue Japanese pitcher Shoki Oda this offseason

The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as frontrunners to sign 18-year-old right-hander Shoki Oda from Yokohama High School in Japan. Oda impressed at the Summer Koshien, reaching 97 mph and throwing two complete-game shutouts. Both teams aim to bolster their pitching staffs after competing in the 2024 World Series, where the Dodgers emerged victorious. Oda has the option to enter the NPB Draft, where he is expected to be a first-round pick if he chooses that route over joining an MLB team. Whichever club signs him will need to be patient as he develops.

• 6:03 PMYahoo Sports — Yankees, Dodgers viewed as 'frontrunners' for Japanese pitching prospect