Snell is hotter than Montgomery” Japanese left-handed ace, $100 million candidate

Asian players who signed large contracts and entered the major leagues this offseason stand out. Asian players from KBO and NPB who completed contracts include San Francisco Giants Lee Jeong-hoo (6 years, $113 million), LA Dodgers Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12 years, $325 million), and San Diego Padres Yuki Matsui (5 years, $28 million). and Go Woo-seok (2 years, $4.5 million). Shohei Ohtani, who entered the Major League six years ago, wore a Dodgers uniform for 10 years and an astronomical sum of $700 million. Here, another Asian pitcher is awaiting a contract. NPB left-hander Shota Imana. Imanaga, who participated with the Japanese national team in the WBC last March and showed impressive pitching, was posted to the Major League on November 28 last year (Korean time), and the deadline for negotiations is the 12th. There are still 8 days left. He played as the ace of the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. Since his debut in 2016, he has pitched in 165 games over an eight-year career, recording 64 wins, 50 losses, and an earned run average of 3.18. This season, he pitched 148 innings in 22 games, posting a record of 7 wins, 4 losses, an ERA of 2.80, 24 walks, and 174 strikeouts. Although he is one step below Yamamoto, he is considered a top 3 starter in the major leagues. It is known that clubs that missed Otani and Yamamoto are sending intensive love calls to him. On the 4th, MLB.com reported, ‘Snell, Montgomery, Imanaga: Who will sign first? In an article titled ‘Where are they going?’, Imanaga was selected as the ‘Big 3’ among the remaining free agent starting pitchers along with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. Reporter Mark Feinsand, who wrote the article, said, "Imanaga has a weaker track record than Snell and Montgomery, but he is the pitcher with the most fierce competition among the three." It is expected that they will receive similar treatment. He said, “It is cheaper than the other two.” He continued, ‘As we saw in the Yamamoto case, major league teams do not hesitate to hire Japanese starting pitchers. “Most of the top starting pitchers who came to the United States from Japan have been successful,” he explained, adding, “Scouts evaluate him as a 2-3 starter as he has posted an ERA of 2.50 over the past three years.” ESPN reporter Jeff Passan said on this day, 'A team official told me that following Otani and Yamamoto, Imanaga is expected to sign a 9-figure contract. In the past, it was difficult for a pitcher like Imanaga to receive $100 million. Yusei Kikuchi, who has similar NPB experience, signed a four-year contract worth $56 million. However, Imanaga's options are wide now, including the New York Yankees, Mets, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, LA Dodgers and Angels,' he said, adding, 'According to one source, a contract will be signed this week.' MLBTR said, 'The Red Sox, Giants, Mets, and Cubs are the clubs that were mentioned at the time of Imanaga's posting. The Yankees have been keeping an eye on Imanaga in case they miss out on Yamamoto, but he seems reluctant. “I am concerned that he may hit a lot of home runs at the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium,” he said. “However, Imanaga has few walks and a good strikeout rate. Experts said, 'He is considered to be a top 3 starter.' As predicted by local media, it appears that a $100 million contract is not impossible as wealthy clubs are conducting last-minute negotiations. for more info check this : https://www.totositerank.com