Overview
- The Dodgers sent a three‑person delegation to Yokohama High School that met with 18‑year‑old right‑hander Shoki Oda for more than three hours on Saturday, Nov. 14.
- Vice president of player personnel Galen Carr, adviser Yogo Suzuki and scout Toru Sugiura attended the session while Oda was accompanied by his mother and his high‑school coach.
- Carr publicly called Oda the best 18‑year‑old pitcher in the world and compared his potential to Japan’s top recent arms, a strong endorsement that the Dodgers say supports a tailored development plan.
- Oda has already met with multiple MLB clubs and was drafted in the first round by the Yomiuri Giants in October but has expressed a preference to begin his professional career in Major League Baseball rather than in NPB.
- Any deal could be delayed or blocked by MLB’s collective‑bargaining agreement expiring on Dec. 1, which would bar international signings until a new pact is ratified and could force Oda to consider alternatives such as U.S. college ball.