Mar 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (21) delivers a pitch during the first inning against USA at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Baseball: World Baseball Classic – Championship-Japan vs USA
NEW YORK — Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga has narrowed his list down to four teams.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden reports the Red Sox, Cubs, Angels and Giants are the finalists for the left-hander.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported earlier this week that Imanaga’s contract is likely to exceed $100 million. Whoever does sign Imanaga will also be paying the BayStars a posting fee – meaning if he lands his coveted $100 million contract, his new team would have to shell out an additional $16.875 million.
The 30-year-old has until next week to reach a finalized agreement.
Imanaga spent the last eight seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, and pitched for Team Japan at the World Baseball Classic in March 2023. He started the championship game against Team USA, picking up the win after tossing 2.0 innings and allowing one earned run.
He went 7-5 with a 2.66 ERA, 1.019 WHIP and 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings in 24 appearances as a member of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars last season.
