Shotaro Morii, an 18-year-old Japanese second-class player, signed a contract with Athletic for $1.51 million in the International Players League.

According to the Yakyu Cosmopolitan website, the sportsman made waves and opened an international signing period in 2025 with an 18-year-old international free agentShotaro MoriiA $1.51 million contract was signed, the largest ever signing by a Japanese amateur outside of professional baseball.

As a left-handed hitter, he hit a total of 45 home runs in high school and reached a maximum of 95 mph on the pitcher's mound. He has very good potential and is expected to be drafted in the top 10 if he enters the Japanese draft.

"This is a historic day for our team," said Dan Feinstein, assistant general manager of Athletics. “Shotaro MoriiWe were the first and one of the few Japanese high school players to sign directly with a Major League Baseball team. We are both anxious and excited to seeShotaro MoriiHe began his career as a professional player in our minor league system this spring.