Dodgers Team News

Dodgers Among Teams Showing Interest in Japanese LHP Shota Imanaga

The Dodgers are among a handful of teams showing interest in Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga this offseason. MLB Network Insider Jon Morosi reported the interest from L.A.

Imanaga is one of the better free-agent pitchers on the market, and he could help improve the Dodgers’ rotation. He would give them a legitimate left-handed starter they don’t have at the moment with Clayton Kershaw currently a free agent.

He started and won the gold medal game for Team Japan at the World Baseball Classic this year, showing that he can handle the biggest of moments. He is 30 years old, so he will likely cost much less than some of the other free agents on the open market, which could be a benefit for the Dodgers.

Imanaga went 7-5 with an ERA of 2.66 for the Yokohama BayStars last season, and he has been one of the better pitchers in Japan since he first broke onto the scene. While he is no Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Imanaga could still provide the Dodgers with a major impact within their rotation.

The Dodgers have a history of signing international talent, and Imanaga could be the next in line. L.A. already landed Shohei Ohtani this offseason, and Imanaga could help them really become Japan’s team.

Photo Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

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Matt Levine

Matt earned a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from Louisiana State University in 2021. He was born and raised in the Los Angeles area, growing up a huge fan of the Dodgers and Lakers. Matt Kemp was his favorite Dodgers player growing up.

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