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Shoki Oda Skips NPB Draft to Pursue MLB Contract

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026 · How we work

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Shoki Oda, 18-year-old right-hander, announced he will skip the NPB draft to seek a U.S. contract.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as the likeliest MLB team to sign Oda.
Yomiuri Giants chose Oda with the first overall pick in this year’s NPB draft.
He threw a 97-mph fastball, the fastest ever recorded at Koshien.
A talent scout estimated his signing bonus could be $3 million to $5 million.

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Shoki Oda, 18-year-old right-hander, announced he will skip the NPB draft to seek a U.S. contract.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are seen as the likeliest MLB team to sign Oda.
Yomiuri Giants chose Oda with the first overall pick in this year’s NPB draft.
He threw a 97-mph fastball, the fastest ever recorded at Koshien.
A talent scout estimated his signing bonus could be $3 million to $5 million.