Star Hurler Reportedly Set To Become Available; Red Sox Could Make Move To Bolster Rotation

The Boston Red Sox likely will be linked to every big-name starting pitcher available this upcoming offseason.

Boston likely won't nab a postseason spot this season but still has surprised people throughout the 2023 campaign. The Red Sox currently are 72-68 and could be very intriguing next year. Boston is loaded with young talent but the club's starting rotation needs some work.

The upcoming starting pitching free agent market is expected to be extremely deep. Boston already has been in rumors about possible fits and one player that could make some sense is Yokohama DeNA BayStars hurler Shōta Imanaga. The lefty reportedly will be posted by the BayStars this offseason and become a free agent, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

"Shōta Imanaga began 2023 by starting the World Baseball Classic gold medal game against Team USA," Morosi said. "He could end the year with a move to Major League Baseball. Imanaga’s Nippon Professional Baseball club, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, will post him for MLB clubs after the (2023 season), sources told MLB.com Wednesday."

Imanaga would be a very intriguing rotation option for the Red Sox if the club opted for a move. The lefty is 30 years old and has a career 2.97 ERA across eight professional seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball league. Imanaga has been lights out for the BayStars this season and has compiled a 2.65 ERA across 21 appearances.

Boston likely will need to add multiple starters this offseason and Imanaga could be a perfect fit. The Red Sox likely are one or two solid starters away from nabbing a postseason spot. Signing Imanaga could be a step in the right direction.

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