‘The Throwing Philosopher’ – Everything to Know About Shota Imanaga, the Latest International Talent on the Verge of Living the MLB Dream

After a history-defining 2023 World Series, the MLB off-season is here. With the offseason in full swing, players in free agency are heating up the hot stove. However, the attention has been on Shohei Ohtani and his $500 million deal prediction. But from the latest update, it seems another Japanese superstar will pull it towards himself, all thanks to his MLB posting.

Given the demand for skillful international pitchers, there is an increased focus on Japan due to its rich baseball culture. The success of Japanese players in MLB, dating back to Masanori Murakami in 1964, is a testament to it. And it seems like Shota Imanaga will join this list with his debut next season. In his early 30s, the World Baseball Classic star is expected to storm the mound.

Who Is Shota Imanaga: An Insight Into His Baseball Journey So Far

LHP Shota Imanaga currently plays for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan. Having been drafted in 2016, Imanaga has become a crucial part of the BayStars setup and has played eight seasons in the league. In this period, the Japanese ace has pitched in over 1120 innings, claiming 11183 strikeouts at an ERA of 3.18.

However, with so many accomplishments to his name, a league title has eluded his team. But that’s not the case with his international career. Imanaga has starred for the Japanese national team in multiple title-winning campaigns, including the 2019 WBSC Premier 12 and WBC in 2023. Notably, his exploits in the final of the World Baseball Classic made him a known star in the American baseball spectrum. Now, he’s making an MLB move.

Why Is Imanaga on the Radar of MLB Teams? What Makes Him Special?

Given that MLB is one of the biggest leagues in the sporting world, it requires certain criteria to be filled in to make a mark. As it is not easy to satisfy, it comes with a test, especially for the international players. But of course, Shota Imanaga excelled thanks to his astonishing skills, earning him the nickname “The Throwing Philosopher.” 

Reportedly, Imanaga’s pitching skills are second to none. It was visible during the WBC and the 30-year-old was unstoppable in NPB. According to a post from March, Imanaga became the first lefty pitcher to average 93.5 mph with 20+ inches of induced vertical break (IVB) in the Hawkeye era.

He also brought variations to his throws, clocking a fastball at 94.4 mph, a splitter at 84.1 mph, a slider at 82.8 mph, and a curveball at 73.1 mph. The brilliance did not stop there. Improving upon his records, the champion player finished the 2023 season at an ERA of 2.66 with 174 strikeouts. It consolidated and made him a perfect candidate for MLB teams this off-season. But could this story have been a little better? 

Why BeyStars Should Have Posted Him Earlier

Age is one of the obvious factors that impact productivity in physical sports. The more young an athlete is, the better the prospects are. Due to this, many think that BeyStars should have posted Imanaga a year ago, aged 29. It could have put him alongside Kodai Senga in the market, who received interest from many teams, eventually signing a five-year contract worth $75 million with the New York Mets. Similar money could have come Imanaga’s way, but even so, all is not lost now.

Though he is one year older, the pitcher has notched better numbers and could easily get a contract of his liking. But are there any favorites to sign the Japanese star?

What lies ahead for Shota Imanaga

There is no doubt that Shota Imanaga is one of the most talented names in a market hungry for pitchers. He is likely to attract interest from around the league, including the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and the New York Mets. All teams are in the market for pitchers after a disastrous season where more runs than they’d like were allowed.

While the chase is on for Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shota Imanaga is another big option. While his cost could be a problem to some, it also gives Imanaga an edge.

Read More:- Yoshinobu Yamamoto Free Agency Timeline Emerges Amidst Nearing Winter Meetings, With Teams Battling Over His Signature

With MLB trade rumors predicting a price tag of $85 million, he can be a perfect target for these teams. His consistent run over the last two seasons as well as his experience in clutch situations also adds to Imanaga’s case. Where might the Throwing Philosopher land? With one of his compatriots or will he wreak havoc on a new team?

Only time can tell.

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