Angels Being Linked With Star Japanese Free Agent Pitcher
After multiple big free agents have signed, including former Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, the floodgates should be opening with more signings. The Halos are looking into pitching as their priority, and they have been searching at the top of the market.
The team has been linked with starters Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, but there is another name to watch for as well.
New York Post's Jon Heyman has reported that Japanese let-hander Shota Imanaga could be a possibility for the Angels as well. He would provide them with a solid addition to the rotation, and he wouldn't cost as much as some of the other top pitchers on the open market.
"Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga could be a possibility, as well"
Imanaga could be a good signing for the Angels, and he showed great skill during his time in Japan. Last season, he posted an ERA of 2.66 and a record of 7-5 for the Yokohama BayStars.
The 30-year-old has been one of the best pitchers in Japan since he made his debut. He also started the gold medal game for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic against Team USA, so Angels outfielder Mike Trout knows how good he can be.
He is expected to be courted by some of the bigger market teams that missed out on starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but the Angels could get involved. They have shown a willingness to spend money on free agents that they deem strong fits.
However, the Halos typically haven't given out large free agent contracts to pitchers, so this could be a potential roadblock here. But Imanaga could provide them with a more team-friendly contract that they'd be willing to take a risk on.
