Los Angeles Dodgers Eye Japanese Pitching Sensation Shota Imanaga in Offseason Overhaul

The Los Angeles Dodgers are on the hunt for top-notch starting pitchers in the upcoming offseason, with President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman emphasizing their priority on bolstering the pitching department. While familiar names like Blake Snell, Sonny Gray, and Jordan Montgomery are available in free agency, the Dodgers have also turned their attention towards Japanese pitchers, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga. MLB insider Mark Feinsand ranks Imanaga as one of the top-25 free agents this offseason.

Key Takeaways:

• The Dodgers are prioritizing starting pitching in the offseason.
• They are considering Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, ranked as one of the top free agents.
• Pursuing Imanaga may involve navigating the posting system and paying fees based on the contract size.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are gearing up for a crucial offseason, and their top priority is no secret – they need to strengthen their starting pitching rotation. This determination is backed by none other than President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman himself, who has made it clear that addressing the pitching staff is their foremost concern.

In the upcoming offseason, the Dodgers will be navigating the deep waters of the pitching market, hoping to secure one or possibly even two standout pitchers from a pool of talented aces. Some recognizable names like Blake Snell, Sonny Gray, and Jordan Montgomery are set to become free agents, offering tempting possibilities for the Dodgers. However, what’s truly intriguing is the potential addition of Japanese talent to their roster.

Recent reports have shed light on the Dodgers’ interest in Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Still, there’s another Japanese pitcher on their radar who could make a significant impact – Shota Imanaga. According to insider Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Imanaga ranks 16th among the top free agents available this offseason, making him an attractive option for LA.

Imanaga, 30, boasts an impressive career exclusively in the Nippon Professional Baseball League (NPB). With a 3.18 ERA, a 64-50 win-loss record, and over 1,000 strikeouts to his name, he’s no stranger to success. He’s earned the distinction of being a two-time All-Star in the NPB and even represented his country in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

While Imanaga could be seen as a fallback option for the Dodgers, he is far from a consolation prize. The team’s pursuit of him could be a significant move if their primary targets don’t pan out. However, there is a notable challenge in acquiring Imanaga – the posting system.

From Feinsand: Imanaga started the gold medal game for Team Japan in this year’s World Baseball Classic, kicking off a year that saw him go 7-5 with a 2.66 ERA for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. He has been one of the best pitchers in Japan since he broke into the Central League in 2016, posting more than a strikeout per inning throughout his career. He is expected to be posted by Yokohama this offseason and should have multiple suitors.

Potential fits: Dodgers, Giants, Mariners

(per Mark Feinsand via MLB.com)

The posting system entails that any MLB club seeking to sign Imanaga would have to pay the BayStars, his current NPB team, for the right to negotiate with him. The release fee is determined by the size of the contractual guarantee and follows a tiered structure: 20 percent of the initial $25 million, 17.5 percent for amounts between $25 million and $50 million, and 15 percent for any amount exceeding $50 million, as reported by Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

As the Dodgers gear up for a critical offseason, their pursuit of top-tier pitching talent, whether domestic or international, is evident. Shota Imanaga stands as a compelling option, and the team’s willingness to navigate the posting system underscores their commitment to fortifying their roster with top-tier talent.