A Japanese baseball phenom who came to America and has become one of the best players in baseball is the LA Angels’ two-way star player, Shohei Ohtani. Because of the wide skill set that he possesses, currently Ohtani is probably the most versatile player in the league. Nicknamed ‘Shotime,’ Ohtani made his MLB debut in 2018 and ended the year by winning Rookie of the Year and took 2021’s AL MVP award as well. Apart from MLB, Shotime was also a big deal when he played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in Japan.

His transition from Japan to the States was not easy. It has become easier over the years, but it wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for some great advice from a Japanese MLB legend, who once played for the New York Yankees. Growing up, the Angels’ phenom used to look up to the former Japanese MLB outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. 

Shohei Ohtani makes sure to follow Ichiro Suzuki’s advice

The ten times former All-Star player of MLB, Ichiro Suzuki, once had to make the same transition from Japan to the USA. Therefore, no other person could have given him better advice on how to work his way through all of it.

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Ohtani met his idol in his rookie year, which was Suzuki’s 18th season in the big leagues. It was a surreal experience for the two-way star as he had grown up idolizing and watching Suzuki play. Ohtani recalled after his mind-blowing 2021 season that the two of them sat down, and Suzuki said, “Remember to be yourself. You made it this far being yourself, so don’t change that, stay within yourself.”

Ohtani will be entering his free agency post this season

Even though the 2023’s MLB season hasn’t even started yet, talk about Ohtani’s free agency post the season has already commenced. Shotime has been with the Angels since his rookie year in 2018 and has won various awards. But the fact that the Angels, despite having two of the best currently active players in the league, are suffering from their longest playoffs drought isn’t hidden from anyone. Therefore, as of now, there is no certain news of what team Ohtani might choose to go to in his free agency. 

Watch this story: Japanese two-way baseball star Shohei Ohtani hits 100th Major League homer

Where do you think Ohtani will land post the upcoming MLB season? Let us know in the comments below!