Amidst the glitz and glamor of blockbuster deals, there are some low-profile teams for whom the stakes are just as high. The Chicago White Sox is one such team. Since a fantastic 93-win season in 2021, the South Siders have seen their results go south every season. Following the team ending 2023 with an abysmal 61-win record, the ChiSox could face another heartbreak with their ace leaving. If that happens, could the White Sox find a perfect replacement in the Samurai Japan ace Shota Imanaga?

While Imanaga is currently one of the most wanted pitchers, there’s no denying that he would be a massive game-changer. With the ChiSox not looking to relive 2023 season, is there a way for them to sign Imanaga?

Shota Imanaga – A perfect replacement?

In a highly disappointing 2023, Dylan Cease was the biggest shining spot for the White Sox. But with only two years remaining in his contract, the market is abuzz with news of his possible trade. Though the White Sox have reportedly made trading him costly affair for any team, Cease might not be a long-term part of the Chicago. Perhaps that’s why they need to start looking elsewhere and the best possible target right now is Shota Imanaga.

At 30, Imanaga is not a young player but that’s what makes him so suitable for the South Siders. Imanaga’s age makes a massive contract highly unlikely, giving a fighting chance to the White Sox. While the deal could be highly beneficial financially, it is in the field where Imanaga could prove to be of immense help.

The ChiSox was bottom tier in almost every pitching metric last season. Their worst numbers came in giving Walks, ranking 29th in the league. Imanaga is a specialist in avoiding Walks as Southside Showdown noticed, “He also doesn’t allow many walks, which is something that’s, of course, highly sought after in a starting pitcher.”

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At the same time, Imanaga has maintained a record of 150 or more strikeouts every season in NPB. All of this makes him a quality signing for a team like the White Sox. But perhaps because of these qualities, the competition for the Samurai Japan ace is increasing. 

Competition intensifies for the Ace

The New York Yankees are already highly interested in getting their hands on the ace. But at the same time, the entry of the Philadelphia Phillies has complicated the matter. With these two heavyweights competing for Imanaga, the White Sox might have their work cut out.

But for a team that finished with 61 wins last season, approaching Imanaga seems like a no-brainer. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. With the low possibility of a nine-figure contract, Imanaga is the kind of signing that can transform the White Sox squad. Something that they desperately need.

Read more: Could Phillies Challenge the Yankees’ Continued Japanese Ace Pursuit, After Both Teams Missed Yoshinobu Yamamoto?