Japanese High School Phenom Opts for MLB

The World Series hasn't even started, yet the hot stove is already heating up.

In the past 24 hours, we've seen three-time All-Star Heath Bell get shipped out of Miami and the Toronto Blue Jays actually trade their manager. So what's next?

Enter Shohei Otani.

According to reports, the 18-year-old pitcher has his sites set on becoming the first Japanese-born player to make the jump from high school to American baseball.

"I think I will start in the minor leagues but I want to challenge in the majors," the phenom told reporters. "It's been my dream since entering high school."

Lofty goals, sure, but here's the kicker...dude already has potential suitors. In recent weeks, the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers have met with the 6'4" fireballer.

Red Sox Eyeing Japanese Phenom

In 2007, the Boston Red Sox were hoping to catch lightning in a bottle when they paid more than $50 million just to talk to Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Now...six full. less than stellar seasons later, the Japanese-born hurler has, seemingly, pitched his last game in BeanTown.

But, according to reports out of Boston, they're trying, again, to cash in overseas. 

A major league source confirmed multiple reports out of Japan that the Red Sox (who were represented by international scouting director Eddie Romero and Pacific Rim coordinator Jon Deeble) met with Japanese high school phenom Shohei Otani on Thursday. Otani has met with all 12 teams in the NPB and with at least a few major league teams while trying to decide whether to pursue pro ball in Japan or the US. The 18-year-old right-hander has been clocked at 100 mph.

WEEI also reports that the 6'4" righty has had meetings with representatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers.