Although all eyes are on one Japanese pitcher’s impending free company in 2023, certainly one of Shohei Ohtani’s WBC teammates he gained the event with may intrigue different groups within the winter.
An enormous recreation pitcher in each sense of the phrase, Shota Imanaga is ready to affix the worldwide pool as another choice for groups to go after for some rotational assist.
Imanaga’s time in Japan has spanned eight seasons and thru these years he’s pitched to a sub 3 ERA in one of many hardest leagues on the earth.
Hurling for the Yokohama DeNa Baystars, Imanaga’s stats converse for themselves as he’s thrown over 100 innings in every of his wholesome seasons offering each sturdiness and stability for his workforce.
Contemplating the Dodgers’ pension to chase worldwide expertise in the previous few many years, signing Imanaga could be a continuation of the pattern after many profitable Asian gamers have began their careers in LA.
Kenta Maeda and Hyun-Jin Ryu instantly come to thoughts as pitchers who’ve succeeded from abroad of their time with the Dodgers in latest seasons.
Although all eyes will definitely be on Ohtani’s standing, particularly regarding his pitching future because of an elbow damage, getting somebody of Imanaga’s skills paired with Mark Prior’s information as pitching coach of LA may pair properly for Dave Roberts’ potential rotation in 2024.
It’s already been stated that Ohtani won’t pitch subsequent yr because of his elbow, and may the Dodgers fail to get beginning assist from the home pool of free brokers, Imanaga’s already confirmed he can dominate American competitors on the WBC to win gold for his nation.
Photograph Credit score: Rhona Sensible-USA TODAY Sports activities
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