Report: Some MLB execs believe Ohtani prefers team without Japanese star

If part of a team's recruitment strategy for Shohei Ohtani involves an existing connection to Japan, it could fall short.

The two-way phenom may actually prefer to sign with a team that doesn't already have a Japanese star, according to multiple MLB executives who spoke with Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

"I feel like he just want to come and not be compared to other guys who have already been here," Brandon Laird, Ohtani's teammate with the Nippon Ham Fighters told Morosi. "To start fresh on his own, show what he can do by himself."

The only Japanese star on an MLB roster is Masahiro Tanaka, starting pitcher with the New York Yankees. However, if Japanese legend Ichiro Suzuki lands on a roster or wherever free-agent pitcher Yu Darvish winds up could also shape the race.

Related: NL exec says Yankees favored to land Ohtani once he's posted

Whether part of paving Ohtani's path also involves avoiding teams with previous Japanese superstars to be compared to remains unknown, so that could cause him to have some hesitation regarding the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ohtani is expected to be posted Friday by the Nippon Ham, at which time all 30 MLB teams will be able to bid up to $20 million for the right to officially recruit him. Ohtani's agent sent out a questionnaire, asking what teams could offer his client.