RISING SUN: Shotaro Morii, The Next Chapter in Japanese MLB History?

This episode of Locked On A’s dives deep into two very different — but equally important — paths inside the A’s farm system. First, we break down the rise of Japanese two-way sensation Shotaro Morii, an 18-year-old who skipped NPB, signed directly with the A’s, and spent 2025 adjusting to American baseball in Arizona. From his advanced plate discipline and power flashes to the deliberate decision to delay his pitching debut, we explain who Morii is, what he showed in his first pro season, and why his development represents a philosophical shift in how the A’s are willing to bet on upside.Then we shift to Lansing, Michigan, where speed and disruption defined Cameron Leary’s breakout 2025 campaign. The former 10th-round pick electrified the basepaths across two levels of A-ball, piling up 56 stolen bases, a .383 on-base percentage, and earning a midseason promotion to High-A. We break down Leary’s month-long July tear, his adjustment to tougher pitching in Lansing, and why his combination of patience, speed, and competitiveness makes him one of the most underrated prospects in the system. Two prospects. Two timelines. One clear theme: the A’s are rebuilding by leaning into development, pressure, and players who make things happen.Shotaro Morii, Cameron Leary, A’s prospects, Athletics farm system, A’s minor league prospects, Japanese MLB prospects, two-way player MLB, A’s international signings, Arizona Complex League A’s, Stockton Ports, Lansing Lugnuts, A’s outfield prospects, stolen bases MLB prospects, speed and OBP prospects, A’s rebuild, Locked On A’s, A’s player development, A’s future coreFollow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts...Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/...Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonas.supercas...Follow the show on Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok: @lockedonasSupport Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDONFanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Every Friday night, before the games tip off, FanDuel gives fans a new way to kick off the weekend with NBA Happy Hour. Check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. FanDuel — the Official Sportsbook Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.