After weeks of others speculating about his future, Shohei Otani, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters¡¯ captivating two-way superstar, finally had his say.

It¡¯s not money pulling him toward the major leagues, nor the pursuit of renown. The 23-year-old star simply wants to become the best baseball player in the world, and he¡¯s ready to kick the pursuit of his goal into high gear by moving to MLB this offseason via the posting system.

¡°There are still so many things I¡¯m lacking, and I want to put myself in an environment where I can improve,¡± Otani told a packed house at the Japan National Press Club on Saturday morning, a day after the Fighters announced they intended to honor his wishes and post him.