Yankees to meet 18-year-old Shoki Oda ahead of free agency
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 8, 2026, 5:00 AM
Last updated Nov 8, 2026

The New York Yankees are set to meet with 18-year-old Shoki Oda, a promising pitcher from Japan, who plans to declare for the international free agent signing period. Oda gained attention for his exceptional performance during the 2026 Koshien National High School Baseball Championship, showcasing a fastball recorded at 98 mph. The Yankees have been exploring opportunities in Japan to strengthen their roster, following the Dodgers' recent successes in that market. This meeting marks a significant step as Oda seeks to bypass Nippon Professional Baseball and enter MLB as an international free agent.
- •Oda had a breakout performance at the 2026 Koshien Championship.
- •He intends to opt out of pitching in NPB.
- •MLB international free agent signing period begins January 15.
- •Yankees Triple-A affiliate rebrands to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Highlanders.
- •Jacob Young signs extension with the Nationals, taking him off Yankees' trade target list.
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Around the Empire: Bombers to meet with 18-year-old NPB ace
"Yankees to meet with Shoki Oda; The Highlanders are back; Trade target signs extension; Kelenic elects free agency
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLB•Nov 8, 2026, 2:32 AMPhillies’ Don Mattingly jokes he’s ‘tired’ of his son being his boss
MLB•Nov 8, 2026, 12:41 AMTwo Teams That Need To Call Brewers About Trevor Megill Trade- MLB•Nov 8, 2026, 12:25 AMCC Sabathia Has High Praise for Red Sox Rookie Payton Tolle
MLB•Nov 7, 2026, 10:11 PMExamining Houston Astros GM Randy Flores' connections to three managerial candidates
MLB•Nov 7, 2026, 10:10 PMAlex Vesia Could Be Detroit Tigers’ Answer to Bullpen Problems
MLB•Nov 7, 2026, 9:56 PMDodgers’ perfect trade offer for Brewers’ Trevor Megill
