After arm injuries and control issues undermined him in 2001 following 41 major league starts, Rick Ankiel converted from pitcher to outfielder and reached the majors again in 2007. “There’s been a lot of talent that currently resides in major league baseball that is capable of doing it both ways,” said Brian Cashman, the Yankees’ general manager. I would think it’s possible.”Advertisement Continue reading the main storyIt’s difficult to find a recent example of a player doing what Ohtani aims to achieve. If he had waited until he turned 25, Ohtani could have received a major league contract without restrictions, for perhaps upward of $100 million. His 2018 salary could be no higher than the major league minimum, $545,000, and his signing bonus would depend on which team he chose.

Source: New York Times November 27, 2017 01:18 UTC