Shotaro Morii set to begin his MLB 3-way player journey

TL;DR

Shotaro Morii begins his journey as a three-way player with the Athletics' Single-A affiliate, the Stockton Ports. He will pitch, hit, and play the field, aiming to make a significant impact in professional baseball.

Key points

Shotaro Morii is a three-way player for the Stockton Ports
He signed with the Athletics for over $1.5 million
Morii will pitch, hit, and play second base
He had a successful season in the Arizona Complex League
Morii aims to gradually increase his pitching workload

Mentioned in this story

Oakland AthleticsLos Angeles Dodgers

Shotaro MoriiStockton PortsArizona Complex LeagueShohei Ohtani

PEORIA, ARIZONA - MARCH 14: Shotaro Morii #18 of the Athletics bats during the eighth inning of a spring training Spring Breakout game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on March 14, 2025 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images The biggest name in baseball right now is Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers. But could the next big name in baseball be a three-way player? Shotaro Morii is hoping to be that next big name, and the young prospect embarks on his journey tonight with the Athletics’ Single-A affiliate in Stockton. But what makes Morii different is the fact that he’ll be pitching, hitting, and playing the field for the Stockton Ports. Morii signed with the Athletics in January of 2025, signing at age 18 for just over $1.5 million. That was the largest bonus ever for a Japanese amateur player outside of Nippon Professional Baseball. The plan for Morii is to appear in three or four games each week as a hitter, either as the designated hitter or as Stockton’s second baseman. Then on Thursdays, Morii will take to the mound, starting with one inning of work and slowly building up to three innings per appearance. In addition, the Ports plan for Morii to rest on Fridays, and throw bullpen sessions on Saturday. “He is attempting to do something that is very difficult,” A’s farm director Ed Sprague said. “His offensive game is ahead of his pitching, but he has a great arm and is committed to doing both. I think he could have stayed at shortstop for a while if he just played on one side of the ball, but we both felt like second base would lessen the workload.” Morii appeared in 43 games in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League last season, where he .258/.399/.384 with three home runs. This year in four games in the ACL Morii slashed .308/.385/.742. He also made one appearance as a pitcher in the ACL this year, facing four batters and striking out two while allowing just one hit. Here’s Morii from last summer in the ACL, showing quick hands through the zone at the plate: “He has been hampered with some minor injuries to start his career, so we will take it slow as he progresses to pitching and playing a position in the pro game,” Sprague said. “We are excited to see him get out to an affiliate and get started.”

Q&A

What is Shotaro Morii's role with the Stockton Ports?

Shotaro Morii will serve as a three-way player, pitching, hitting, and playing second base for the Stockton Ports.

How much did Shotaro Morii sign for with the Athletics?

Shotaro Morii signed with the Athletics for just over $1.5 million, marking the largest bonus for a Japanese amateur player outside of Nippon Professional Baseball.

What are Shotaro Morii's performance stats in the Arizona Complex League?

In the Arizona Complex League, Morii slashed .258/.399/.384 with three home runs last season and .308/.385/.742 in four games this year.