Which teams stand out in the chase for Shōta Imanaga?
By Beau Adams
Imanaga's Potential Contract
Imanaga's potential contract is another talking point. His age and years of service in the NPB mean that he will not be classified as an amateur free agent, thus allowing him to command a larger contract. ESPN's Jeff Passan has reported that Imanaga could secure a nine-figure deal.
Posting Fee for Imanaga
In addition to the contract, any MLB team that signs Imanaga will need to pay a posting fee to the Yokohama Bay Stars, Imanaga's NPB team. This fee is calculated based on the value of the player's contract.
Imanaga's Future
Should Imanaga fail to secure a contract before the deadline, he would stay with the Bay Stars for another season. He could then attempt to make the leap to the MLB after the 2024 campaign.
In the end, the race to sign Shota Imanaga is heating up. With the Yankees and the Giants falling behind, all eyes are on Imanaga and where he will end up. Regardless of the outcome, his journey to MLB is certainly a thrilling ride for all baseball fans.