Imanaga Shota, the "Ace" of Yokohama DeNA BayStars and the "left-hander ace" representing Japanese professional baseball, has been confirmed to challenge the Major League.
Japan's Nikkan Sports said on the 11th, "Imanaga will be able to challenge the Major League with this off-season posting system."
Yokohama Hagihara, the general manager, said in person. He explained, "We had a final consultation on Imana's challenge to the United States the day before 10th, and the club decided to accept it, so I would like to inform you."
Imanaga was very likely to advance to the Major League after the end of this season. Imanaga, who was nominated by Yokohama DeNA in the first round of the 2015 Japanese professional baseball rookie draft, has played in 165 games in eight seasons so far this year, recording 64 wins, 50 losses, and a 3.18 ERA in four holds.
Imanaga has a variety of breaking balls, including fast balls of up to 154km and "main weapon" changeups, as well as sliders, curves, two-seam, and cutters.
It is also well known to Korean baseball fans. In March, he took the mound following Darvish Yu San Diego Padres in the World Baseball Classic WBC match against Korea and Japan and made a powerful pitch. He pitched in three games, including the final, and played with one win and a 3.00 ERA, helping Japan win the championship
At this time, he imprinted his name on major league clubs, and has actually attracted attention from many clubs. Scouts from six teams, including the New York Yankees, visited Japan to watch his pitches.
Imana signed a contract with overseas agency Octagon to advance to the Major League. As much as the club allowed, they will contact the U.S. clubs with ease.
MLB also paid attention to him on Major League Baseball's official website. The media said, "There is not one Japanese star pitcher who can come to the Major League next season," and introduced, "Imanaga will also come to the posting system and can sign a contract with the MLB club this winter."
"Imanaga may not win the same level of contract as Yamamoto, Japan's best pitcher, but he is also one of the best starting pitchers in the NPB. With his potential, he could be a valuable resource for the starting lineup as a second or third starter."
"I'm very happy that a player challenging the Major League came from Yokohama, but it's also sad that he's leaving," said Hagihara, general manager. "I think I'll be happy to succeed and come back and play for us someday." 사설토토
