Toronto Blue Jays might end up being the landing spot for Japan's top free agent
Photo credit: Bleacher Report
The World Series has definitely given the Toronto Blue Jays a certain prestige not only in North America but Japan as well, they are reportedly looking at signing star pitcher Tatsuya Imai of Japan.
The Blue Jays are mostly in need of redoing their pitching rotation, it was the one thing that got in their way of winning it all last year.
Blue Jays go after star pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
Adam Laskaris on the Daily Hive reported on the Blue Jays targeting the star pitcher out in Japan.
The amount of talent coming out of there, it is no wonder that teams are paying just as much attention in Japan as they are in North America for free agents.
"Imai had a 1.92 ERA in 163.2 innings this past year in Japan for the Saitama Seibu Lions, picking up 175 strikeouts and 45 walks."-Lasakaris
The Los Angeles Dodgers have definitely been the leaders in picking up Japanese talent, in Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki.
The Blue Jays want to follow in their footsteps. They cannot rely on Trey Yesavage to carry the load just yet due to his lack of experience, so exploring every option is necessary. And Imai isn't the only Japanese player they are targeting.
"mai isn't the only Japanese star looking to come over to the major leagues that Toronto is pursuing; the team is also reportedly showing interest in 25-year-old infielder Munetaka Murakami. The slugging youngster has been one of the best power hitters in Japanese history. He's hit 246 home runs in 892 games as a pro in Japan, while his 56 home runs in 2022 set a league record for most home runs by a Japanese player in a single season."-Laskaris
The Blue Jays failed to acquire Ohtani during his free agency, but they have a different reputation now, one associated with winning and much deeper pockets.
They will have a much more favourable reception to free agents all around the world when negotiating the possibility of signing them.
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