Angels Reportedly Lose Free Agent Target to Chicago Cubs
Japanese free agent left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga has reportedly reached an agreement on a free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs. Bob Nightengale of USA Today was first to report on the agreement.
Nightengale reports that Imanaga will undergo a physical Thursday before the deal becomes official. Thursday at 5:00 p.m. ET is the deadline for Imanaga to sign with a Major League team under the terms of Major League Baseball's posting system with NPB, the top league in Japan.
Imanaga and the Angels have been linked all offseason long, with the Halos emerging as a frontrunner over the last few days.
However, more recently the Angels were said to be falling behind in the race among other frontrunners. By Tuesday morning, it was reported the Angels were looking elsewhere on the free agent market.
Now, Imanaga is tentatively set to join Chicago, where he could team up with fellow Japanese star Seiya Suzuki.
As for the Angels, they will look back to the free agent market to find a starting pitcher.
The team continues to be linked to reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell. They have also been linked with two-time All-Star Marcus Stroman, but it sounds like he may prefer a team out east.
The Angels could use a front-line starter to fill out a rotation that includes left-handers Patrick Sandoval, Reid Detmers and Tyler Anderson, and right-handers Chase Silseth and Griffin Canning.
Thus far, the Angels have added right-handed pitcher Zach Plesac, who could help both the bullpen and rotation in 2024, as well as right-handers Luis Garcia and Adam Cimber.
