The Chicago Cubs are one of the teams that seemingly are tied to the starting pitching market this offseason. The team has six starting pitchers currently on the roster with their healthy rotation and Justin Steele is expected to return. However, they could always improve and allow that to become a surplus to improve the team in other areas. There has been an intriguing wrinkle in one free agent’s market that can play right into Chicago’s hands, so let’s take a closer look at the developing situation.
Tatsuya Imai explains he has no MLB offers right now
South Korea v Japan – Asia Professional Baseball Championship Final – Tatsuya Imai, Cubs via CubbiesCrib.com
In an appearance on TV Asahi’s “Udo Times” in Japan, Imai explained how he has not received a single concrete offer from a team.
“Apparently, there actually aren’t many concrete options on the table yet. And it seems that having teams show interest and receiving a formal offer are completely different things.”
This does not mean he has not received any contract offers, but instead means the pitcher has not been notified of any. This is also a translation from Japanese, meaning there is some portions that may not mean the same thing as they do in English.
How can the Chicago Cubs take advantage of this situation?
The Cubs have been one of the teams that have shown interest in signing Imai. Unlike a majority of other free agents, Imai has a deadline to sign with a team. He has until Jan. 2, or Friday, to sign with a major league team; otherwise will be sent back to the Seibu Lions. This seemingly is not something that should worry him though, as the Chicago White Sox signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami 24 hours before his posting window closed.
The Cubs have not signed a free agent starting pitcher, but they have certainly been in the conversations surrounding the starting pitcher market. With their interest at some level and no contracts in hand, Chicago could be in a prime spot to sign the Japanese star pitcher.
Why did the Chicago Cubs spend $6 million on “black cat” bad-luck Hunter Harvey?
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE