The Giants continue to target the international free-agent market in search of roster upgrades.
MLB Network's Jon Morosi reported Saturday that San Francisco is showing interest in Japanese left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga in free agency.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Imanaga is believed to be the second-best international pitcher on the free-agent market behind fellow countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who reportedly has received $300-plus million contract offers from the Giants and Boston Red Sox as the prized superstar continues to weigh his options.
The 30-year-old Imanaga posted a 7-5 record with a 2.66 ERA in 159 innings pitched with 188 strikeouts to 24 walks with the Yokohama Bay Stars in 2023. The 5-foot-10 lefty has a four-seam fastball that sits low-to-mid 90s, a curveball, changeup and a slider with solid command of all his pitches.
Imanaga has flown somewhat under the radar this offseason with all eyes on Yamamoto, but MLB Trade Rumors projects he could receive a five-year, $85 million contract in free agency. He doesn't fit the exact top-of-the-rotation ace alongside Logan Webb the Giants are looking for, but certainly can be a middle-of-the-rotation arm and a decent fallback option.
Download and follow the Giants Talk Podcast
San Francisco Giants
Find the latest San Francisco Giants news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
