NPB side Yokohama BayStars have just lost their ace Shota Imanaga. Replacing star players is always a struggle but when that player is a WBC champion who has been a part of your squad for years? The struggle is even more real. With so many possible paths to take, the BayStars have decided to put their bets on a former top prospect in the States.

While the NPB is a highly competitive league, its level is slightly below the major leagues. As a result, many MLB players have found a career rebirth in Japan. The former Mets draft pick would be hoping for a similar result as he looks to start his journey with the BayStars.

Post-Shota Imanaga the Yokohama BayStars hedge their bets on a 28 year old

With an ERA of 2.66, Shota Imanaga recorded 188 strikeouts in 2023. With his departure, the BayStars need to cover this impending shortfall. But just depending on existing players isn’t enough, they need new signings. According to Robert Murray, that has begun. The Baystars are signing former top prospect Anthony Kay.

When Kay was picked by the New York Mets in 2016, he was expected to become a formidable pitcher. But his development got a major blow when he was forced to get Tommy John surgery in 2016. This derailed Kays’ career by completely removing him from the 2017 season. When he did return, he was not quite the same. 

Kay never got to play with the Mets during his first stint and was later traded to the Toronto Blue Jays, then the Chicago Cubs, and finally back to the Mets. During this entire journey, Kay’s performances never showed much promise and kept deteriorating. The pitcher spent more time in AAA leagues than in the major league.

After his stint with the Oakland Athletics, Kay chose free agency. With a career ERA of 5.67 and a 4-2 record, Japan could prove to be a much-needed change of scenery for the 28-year-old. While he might not be a perfect replacement for Imanaga, Anthony Kay can hopefully find some form with the BayStars. 

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On the other hand, the BayStars can invest more with an impending posting fee for Imanaga.

The BayStars to get a substantial posting fee

While the exact figure of Imanaga’s contract isn’t known yet, some details are known. Famous insider Jon Morosi has indicated that he’ll be paid in the vicinity of $15 million per year for multiple years. This amount alone indicates that the BayStars could be looking for a relatively high posting fee from the Chicago Cubs.

So Anthony Kay’s arrival in Japan could give us another comeback story. Hopefully the 28-year-old will find the form that he was unable to locate in the States. While the Cubs fans will hope that Imanaga brings his NPB form to the MLB.

Read more: All Eyes on Shota Imanaga – Breaking Down Chicago Cubs New-Look Starting Five