The offseason is getting ready to witness its next blockbuster deal as Yoshinobu Yamamoto goes through meetings. With the likes of the New York Yankees, New York Mets, and LA Dodgers behind him, his contract could easily exceed expectations. But amidst this saga, another Samurai Japan ace has gradually grown his market – the WBC gold medalist Shota Imanaga. Will Queens finally land a Japanese pitcher?

Even though Yamamoto’s contract estimates have grown to $300 million, there is no denying that 2023 is the market for pitchers. As a top insider revealed, the recent creation of explosive hitting lineups in multiple teams has accelerated the need for powerful arms. As a result, Imanaga could be looking to get a surprising contract.

Insider hails Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga – Can the Mets prevail?

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi recently discussed Yamamoto’s rising value in depth, predicting the contract could go anywhere “between $250 to $300 million.”. Morosi then shifted to Shota Imanaga, whose demand has increased considerably amongst big teams. Morosi’s prediction? “An AAV in the $20 million range.” 

The Mets, Chicago Cubs, Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox are reportedly after Imanaga. The Mets in particular are ahead owing to a desperate need for a good bullpen. Recent reports say that the Yankees are ahead of the Mets currently in the Yamamoto sweepstakes. As a result, Flushing may have to keep looking elsewhere too. Also due to their payroll trouble, Imanaga could prove to be a more economical yet impactful get for them.

Though Imanaga isn’t likely to get a contract as big as Yamamoto, he’s still sought-after. The 30-year-old lefty can help teams in exploiting the ultra-lefty batting lineups. Apart from this, his 3.18 ERA makes him an elite addition to nearly every rotational lineup in the league.

Read more: Fans Break Into Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Instagram, Find Positive Yankees Signs

At the same time while Imamaga’s market grows, Yamamoto is going through a meeting blitzkrieg.

The tiring meetings of the Ace

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has been busy traveling across the US. On Sunday he met the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees came to meet him on Monday. The 25-year-old met the Dodgers on Tuesday and is scheduled to meet the Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays later this week. Yamamoto has already met the New York Mets owner two weeks ago in Japan.

His camp is flying across America to find the perfect place for the 25-year-old ace. Yamamoto has until Jan 4 to sign but experts believe he’ll choose a team in a week or two. 

Where do you think he will land? Let us know in the comments below!

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