The Los Angeles Angels are reportedly among the four finalists for star Japanese LHP Shota Imanaga. Jim Bowden of The Athletic reported the finalists on Friday morning.
Bowden says it's between the Angels, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs.
Imanaga has until Jan. 11 to finalize a contract, so his decision should come in the next few days to give him time to complete his physical.
He's one of the many star players coming over from Japan this offseason, although he won't cost nearly as much as Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Reports this offseason have Imanaga getting a contract in the $80 million to $120 million range. However, that could continue to rise if a bidding war takes place between these four teams.
Imanaga is 30 years old and has spent the last eight seasons in Japan. In his career, he has a 2.96 ERA in 192 games, with 1,183 strikeouts across 1,129.2 innings pitched.
The Angels currently need rotation help, as they've made no additions and lost their ace in Shohei Ohtani.
Patrick Sandoval had a down year in 2023, but he'd likely slot in as the No. 1 guy in 2024.
Behind him is Reid Detmers and Tyler Anderson, and then potentially Griffin Canning and Sam Bachman, who the team views as a long-term starter.
The Angels would love to add at least one starting pitcher this offseason, but could be in the market for multiple.
Imanaga would be a great first get for the Halos, and then they would just need a strong right-handed arm to fill out a really good rotation.
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