Baltimore Orioles Should Pursue Star Japanese Pitcher in Free Agency

One of the most fascinating storylines this offseason is what the Baltimore Orioles ultimately decide to do as they've now entered contender status.

Their true rebuild seems to be over after winning an American League-best 101 games in 2023. They are loaded with young talent on their MLB roster and within their pipeline.

However, to become true World Series contenders, the Orioles need to upgrade their starting rotation.

To do that, they should seriously consider signing Japanese star Shota Imanaga who has been posted by his NPB team.

Dan Szymborski of FanGraphs details why, writing, "I’d love to see the O’s go after Shota Imanaga in any case; he’s gotten a lot less press than Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but he should come cheaper and there’s a lot to like about him. Plus, he’s a fly ball lefty whose weakness is being occasionally gopher ball-prone, and Camden Yards these days is very friendly for that type of pitcher."

There's a lot to unpack there.

First, his contract will likely be much less than what Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to receive.

MLB Trade Rumors is projecting Imanaga to get around $85 million, while they are projecting Yamamoto to get $225 million.

With Baltimore probably not spending major money in free agency once again, the expected figure for Imanaga would be much more inline with what they're comfortable handing out. After all, the Orioles were also rumored to have been pursuing Aaron Nola, who eventually signed for $172 million.

Secondly, Syzmborski points out why he could become a great fit pitching in Camden Yards.

The left field wall being pushed back has prevented the high number of home runs that the ballpark had been prone to give up before these dimensions changed.

A fly ball pitcher like Imanaga won't be hurt as much when pitching at home.

Plus, despite not getting the same level of attention that Yamamoto has gotten, the left-hander is still one of the best options on the open market after posting a career ERA of 3.18 across over 1,000 innings pitched in Japan.

Baltimore should be aggressive and pursue the 30-year-old star this offseason.