Mariners Free Agent Target: Is there interest in Shota Imanaga?

There are a handful of big time free agent pitchers on the market this season. From potential aces in Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, to the ones who fight for that designation in Blake Snell and Aaron Nola, and even Jordan Montgomery, there are a lot of pitchers that could lead a rotation. However, there are still some pretty strong pitchers that fit into that #2/#3 spot, and Shota Imanaga could sneakily be one of the better signings this offseason.

If the Mariners are looking for depth, Shota Imanaga could be a fantastic addition

Originally, reports surrounded him that he wasn't going to be posted until after Yamamoto signed. That report ended up being false, as he was posted on 11/13/2023. That means that a team has 45 days to come to a deal with him, or else he will be back overseas for another season.

Is Imanaga being overlooked a bit because of all the focus on Yamamoto? I think that is part of it, although it also sounds like he is seen as a little lesser of a talent than Kodai Senga was prior to his posting. Senga ended up dominating with the Mets last season, which could push his price higher than Senga, despite the "lesser talent".

So, what could Imanaga go for? Senga signed a deal for 5YR/$75M, which seems like a steal if he is going to pitch like he did last year. It's likely going to push a couple mil higher in AAV and end up in the 5YR/$85M range. Imanaga is actually about the same age as Snell, so you would be getting the first half of their 30s if you signed either one of them to a deal.

He brings a four-pitch repertoire to the plate, so nothing crazy like the reported 7-pitch setups that some of the overseas pitchers have thrown. You could argue that it is 5 pitches, as he will throw not just the 4-seamer, but a little cutter as well that can sometimes branch out into an actual slider. The heater sits around 93-96 mph, and the slider around 82-84. He will throw a curve as well, but it's his fourth pitch.

The important pitch, as it was when Kodai Senga came over, is the splitter. Here's the thing that makes it interesting. Normally, left-handed pitchers don't throw a splitter. Imanaga loves it though, and he throws it quite well, getting around 82-85 mph on the pitch.

Likely a mid-rotation guy, Imanaga isn't expected to lead a rotation. If the Mariners are looking to add but don't feel up to handing out the money needed for a Snell-type pitcher, Imanaga could be a good addition to the rotation if paired with the Mariners trading away one of their young pitchers for a worthwhile bat.