Shota Imanaga’s 45-day posting window closes today, meaning the Cubs will likely announce his reported four-year contract in the near future. It’s known that the Chicago outbid a field of interested parties including at least the Giants, Angels and Red Sox, although multiple reports in the final days of Imanaga’s free agency suggested there were as many as five teams in the mix. ESPN’s Jesse Rogers now reports that the Pirates showed interest in the star NPB left-hander — a surprise entrant into the Imanaga market for a number of reasons.
On the one hand, word of interest that didn’t materialize in a deal can be waved off by many as inconsequential. Imanaga is headed to the Cubs, and he’ll spend anywhere from two to five seasons there, thanks to the complex nature of his contract. (Four years are guaranteed, but he has multiple opt-out chances and the Cubs can supersede those by picking up a fifth-year option after the 2025 season.) What’s done is done. Imanaga is not and will not be a member of the Pirates.
On the other, the Pirates are a genuinely surprising entrant into the Imanaga bidding. Signing him would’ve required the Bucs to commit the largest contract they’ve ever given to a pitcher; Francisco Liriano’s $39MM pact currently holds that distinction. That’s interesting in and of itself, but it’s also further intriguing in that their reported interest now makes it worth wondering whether the Bucs might have a bit more money to spend than most would’ve assumed. And, if that’s the case, it’s fair to consider that perhaps they’d be in play for other middle-tier starters who remain unsigned. The likes of Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery still figure to be well beyond the Pirates’ price range, but there are still a few notable arms in the next tier down — Marcus Stroman, James Paxton, Michael Lorenzen, Hyun Jin Ryu and Cuban righty Yariel Rodriguez (who’s spent the past several seasons starring in NPB) among them.
Thus far, the Pirates have added lefties Martin Perez (one year, $8MM) and Marco Gonzales (acquired from the Braves for a PTBNL) to their rotation behind Mitch Keller. With right-hander Johan Oviedo undergoing Tommy John surgery earlier this offseason, however, there’s greater need beyond that trio — especially considering Gonzales’ own injury troubles this past season. Former top prospect Roansy Contreras took a step back in 2023 after a more promising 2022 showing, while prospect Quinn Priester had a rocky debut in 2023.
The Pirates will get righty JT Brubaker back from his own Tommy John procedure this year, but he’ll surely be eased back into the fold and will be on some level of innings limit. Right-hander Luis Ortiz and southpaw Bailey Falter are among the team’s other options in the rotation, and 2023 No. 1 overall pick Paul Skenes could make his MLB debut during the summer of 2024. That all gives the Bucs some depth, but with at least two rotation spots still in flux, there’s room for another arm to be added.
It’s possible that the Pirates viewed Imanaga as an exception of sorts, and that their interest in him will go down as little more than a footnote. It remains unclear, after all, whether they pursued him with any level of aggression or whether they were hoping to land him on a shorter-term pact that falls well shy of where he ultimately landed with the Cubs.
If the Bucs fill out their rotation internally or make another budget pickup to stuff some low-upside innings into their starting staff, the interest in Imanaga will quickly be forgotten. But it’s nevertheless interesting to see Pittsburgh punching north of its typical weight class in free agency. General manager Ben Cherington indicated earlier this offseason that the team’s payroll can be expected to increase — although last year’s $73MM Opening Day mark is quite a low bar to clear. The Bucs currently project for a payroll of about $70MM, per Roster Resource.
Chuck from Uniontown
Yariel Rodriguez, when?
acoss13
I think that would be a good signing for your Pirates. Although considering how much the Cubs paid for Imanaga, Pirates could have matched that offer.
PiratesPundit51
Possibly, I think the hang-up was probably the opt-out seasons. If he stinks, he’s a $15 million albatross; if he’s good, they’d almost certainly have to trade him after the first season rather than risk losing him for nothing. A bad version of him for 4 seasons means they’d be hamstrung in extending guys AND probably end up unloading prospects and eating salary to be rid of him.
I don’t blame the player in this case, nor do I blame the team. The Cubs can afford a $15 million bum on their roster for a few seasons or even just flat out release him if he’s atrocious; it’s too much risk for a franchise who needs to choose wisely when it comes to big paydays. Of course people on the outside looking in, those who not only drink the Kool-Aid but also swim in it, will say the Pirates are being cheap because that’s what they’re told. I fully expect many to embarrass themselves by exposing their profound lack of understanding of baseball economics.
Mendoza Line 215
Pundit-Big market fans have already embarrassed themselves many times regarding economics of a non salary limit sport but they are too stupid to realize it.
Unclemike1525
At 80 million plus? I doubt it. Propoganda
GASoxFan
They tried to imitate the dodgers, it was $2m/yr for 3 years, with 60m deferred until starting in 2068, then payable @ another $2m/yr until 2098.
Didn’t work.
Unclemike1525
Pretty sure the posting fee was out of Nutting’s range, Much less the salary.
Gmaytag
Check your facts, it’s a 4 year deal with 2 years $30m guaranteed and both team/player have an opt out after 2nd year. IF he stays it could get up to a 5th year with total payout of $80m over the 5.
Fever Pitch Guy
Gmay – Umm …. every article, including the one above, has stated 4 years guaranteed.
Gmaytag
Read it again, it says 4 year contract with multiple opt outs. It has since been reported by MLB that only the first 2/30m are guaranteed.
GASoxFan
Let’s simplify how it goes…
Contract is reported as 4 years.
Yr 1 – locked in.
Yr 2 – locked in.
— opt out available, if exercised can be override by team vesting 5th year—
Yr 3 – exists if no opt out exercised, or, 5th year vested.
— opt out available, if exercised can be override by team vesting 5th year—
Yr 4 – exists if no opt out exercised, or, 5th year vested.
Yr 5 – team option.
So, on paper 4 years are ‘guaranteed’ in that the team can’t avoid then, but, the player can opt out. The team can override any opt out by adding a 5th year.
mike127
Maytag—the Cubs are locked in for four years and $53M guaranteed—UNLESS Imanaga opts out after years two or three.
Since we now don’t know what the payouts per year are–let’s assume that the first two are $30M—we don’t know that, but let’s assume….Imanaga will only opt out if he knows that the can get significantly more the $23M over the next two years—but he can only opt out if the Cubs DON’T opt IN to his fifth year and make it a 5/80 deal.
The report of 2/30 is Tuesday’s news…and today’s seems more factual based on reports.
Unclemike1525
He’ll be here. It’s 4 years at 53 million which makes him an excellent affordable starter. Plus incentives which if I know the Cubs will be pretty easy to hit. I’m sure they’re health related. You can say what you want about Jed but he’s doing a great job of letting the market come to him. As maddening as that is to us Cub Fans. The posting fee comes out of Ricketts bottom line and doesn’t countb against the tax, And Nutting isn’t letting go of his Luxury Tax cut.
PiratesPundit51
It’s only propaganda if:
the Pirates released that information to ESPN. Nothing in the article says that – the player’s agent or even his former NPB team could have released the information.
it actually served the Pirates’ interest to let their interest be known. Since those other teams with interest don’t seem to have as many paranoid or borderline dolts as fans, they could say they tried; for the Pirates, releasing that information would only let loose another flood of “they’re cheap” comments (which it has).
User 1404051815
And again, I’ll ask…why should the Pirates spend big for starters?
Brubaker, Burrows, Velasquez come back this summer. Jones, Solometo, Skenes and perhaps Chandler are on the verge of arrival
Question marks at 2nd, 1st and RF. Can Davis ably catch? Where do the runs come from?
Wouldn’t it make sense to just try to compete until the stars align in ‘25?
bucsfan0004
Did i miss in the article what the Pirates actually offered? ….something like $16MM over 4yrs seems in their historic range
llily9727
That’ll be the day. Pirates are the most inept organization in baseball. Even the Rays outspend them.
siddfinch1079
Agreed. Unlike the Rays, the Pirates throw the limited amount of money they do spend on questionable acquisitions…
bhd360
Word is they were in the thick of it until they found out he wanted actual money to play for them
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
I also showed interest in Camila Cabello.
Gwynning
Keep yer dirty mitts off milady!
>.<
User 1404051815
True Pirates fan. She had no interest in you The agonizing story of Pirates fans
Old York
Pirates are too cheap for top Japanese talent. This is fake news.
TheMan 3
This isn’t the leading Republican candidate for the presidency , who always claims fake news, this is a baseball trading rumor website
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
The term originated over a hundred years ago. Relax.
deweybelongsinthehall
It was long forgotten until a certain someone…
Old York
@TheMan 3
Relax, we’re not in Congress or even close to Washington. I’m here to talk baseball and poking fun at the Pirates organization.
You seem to still be triggered by Orange Man from 2016. There’s help and support for that if you need it.
TheMan 3
perhaps you need an education in the three branches of government
no one in Congress uses the term “ fake news “
on a regular basis
Old York
@TheMan 3
As I said, this has nothing to do with Congress or Washington. I just made fun of the Pirates and used “fake news”. If you’re still worried about Orange Man, that’s for a different internet forum.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
The guy’s username should be TheMan-child3 instead.
steelerbravenation
Thank you
Keep the politics out of this site
I don’t know when it became so popular to talk politics or religion in open places .
In my neighborhood growing up you would be asked kindly once to change the discussion. If it didn’t change you would get slapped around.
Americanentropy
Julio Urias!
bmcferren
this
Old York
@Hudler’s Son
Pirates could probably very cheaply, revamp their rotation with Bauer & Urias signed.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
But, the internet would be offended by law abiding citizens. They believe in gossip and unofficial debunked conspiracy theories.
steelerbravenation
I think Bauer is being blackballed because he is a jerk more than anything. I don’t think teams want to deal with his shenanigans in the clubhouse. He is known to not be a good teammate. You don’t see any gormer teammates really ever come to his defense. Only guys that don’t get along with him.
deGrom/Langford Texas Ranger
Betts did say nice things about Bauer.
steelerbravenation
How well did he know him because Cole from UCLA hates him, Montero in Cleveland had less than flattering things to say & his closer in Japan was negative vocally towards him as well.
Even opposing players hate him Bregman & Syndrrgaard come to mind.
Point is the guy has a terrible reputation around the league.
Even coaches well documented that his pitching coach & Manager in Arizona gre tired of his sntics as well.
Always comes across like he is smarter than everybody else & let’s be honest his career stats
don’t scream HOF trajectory. Could be very good at times but is it worth the nonsense that comes with it.
Also Bauer knew the allegations were coming & obviously the Dodgers didn’t or else I don’t believe they pilaf signed him. So that tells me there was a good chance he was on his best behavior in LA’s clubhouse.
steelerbravenation
I am waiting for a rogue owner to jump up & sign a couple guys like that.
Could you imagine if a team like the Pirates just signed 2 guys like that for pennies on the dollar.
Even if it’s for 2 years just for them to take the brunt of the criticism but the deal they would get just for the players to keep themselves in Malabar would be crazy.
Now Bauer has been exonerated as far as I know but I don’t condone what Urias did but Aroldis Chapman & Marcell Ozuna had similar things happen & they bounced back so it’s surprising nobody has jumped at the deal the could get by signing him.
Macbeth
Old York, I said the Pirates would be playoff contenders this year easily if they signed Bauer and Urias. Urias would likely be gone for a LONG time via suspension but would be ready for playoffs probably. Bauer would be ready to go now and the team would be bringing up Skenes mid-season as well.
Sign. Me. Up.
Old York
I think it’s ridiculous that Bauer won’t be pitching in the MLB.
When he last pitched in 2021, his FRA for 2022 was around 3.91, which is where Snell’s FRA is today and everyone is talking about how he’ll get this mega contract and he’s the best pitcher. I don’t even find Snell that great of a pitcher but it’s unfortunate that we won’t have one of the better pitchers competing in MLB.
User 1404051815
Have to think MLB is making these guys sweat it out. So many teams need starters that it kind of defies logic that you’re not even reading rumors on this site
Have to agree with the overall idea here. He’d transform their chances
abcrazy4dodgers
Pirates largest pitcher contract commitment is equal to roughly 3 months of Ohtani.
Spaced-Cowboy
Pirates are notorious for being cheap. They don’t pay for anything 🙂
TheMan 3
They are paying Bryan Reynolds $100 million over 8 years
That’s more than you will make over your entire life
Spaced-Cowboy
It was light hearted attempt at humor. And you meant you or I.
siddfinch1079
Damn Man, how about you simmer down a bit?
baseballpun
It does seem like Imanaga’s market, or at least his price, wasn’t as robust as expected. I wonder what that should be chalked up to.
D2323
There’s gotta be questions about his health. Interested teams probably got copies of his medical records from NPB and didn’t like what they were seeing. Hence why his Cubs deal has so many team options and void clauses.
30 Parks
This is a relatively new public relations tactic in MLB. It’s the equivalent of blurting out “I was going to say that!” after someone else correctly answers a question. Pittsburgh failed to land Imanaga – glass-half-empty, glass-half-full … public relations.
nando390
Pirates always “showed interest” after the play signs somewhere else lol
178iq
Ugly broke dudes show interest in Margo Robbie.
LordD99
Did they also show interest in Ohtani?
mlb1225
The Pirates love LHSP, so them showing interest when they really need another SP isn’t super surprising. Maybe this means they’re aiming a little higher to try and fill the last rotation spot. Only one can hope.
LordTeaboBaggins
Hey, Noah Syndergaard is available, and can probably be had for a $20 and a can of Pringle’s
steelerbravenation
If the Pirates are truly trying to compete next year they need to get Stroman l. Even if it takes an overlay.
If they are just trying to play out the year and see where the season takes them then they should go for Ryu or Lorenzen giving them a possible asset at the deadline.
I myself believe they can compete this year in that weak division.
Stroman would give them a weak 2 for next year but a solid 3 for whenever Skenes comes up .
They already have Gonzalez & Perez as trade bait & place holders when some young arms are ready.
I do think if the Yankees have interest in Stroman he will go there even for a bit less but it’s really time for the Pirates to strike on a veteran pitcher for a leader of the staff.
Also believe its imperative to sign Keller to an extension because if he really turns the corner into a legit number 1 he will price himself out of the Pirates
future plans.
In all honesty if they are punting on the year for me Skenes wouldn’t get called up until September & Keller would get dealt now & Ryu & Lorenzen would both be Pirates looking to move them at the deadline.
TheMan 3
Keller was offered an extension last summer but refused it because it was a “ team friendly contract”
He’s going to demand far more than the Bucs will be willing to pay
Rumors the offer was $12 million over 5 years
steelerbravenation
He proved better than that. So if he refuses the offer this year time to trade him.
Small market teams have to sign star players to extensions early in order to sustain long term competitiveness
Mendoza Line 215
Nation- The Cards and Reds have both signed starting pitchers as they said that they would do and the Cubs are starting to.The Brewers have good minor league position players coming up so the Pirates are unfortunately looking at fifth place again.
Mike Adamson
The Pirates are in on everyone that signs elsewhere! Let’s be honest they will never be in on free agency other than guys over the hill or coming back from injuries!
Yea we have the worst owner in baseball! If his GM was actually trying this team could’ve competed for the WC or possibly the division this season!
Moves that won’t happen!
SP Keller (Stroman, Clevinger,) Perez and Gonzalez or whoever wins the 5th starter spot! That would be 4 guys who give you a chance to win!
Trade for Naylor and now you have a lineup that can actually hit! Cruz, Reynolds, Naylor, Hayes, and Suwinski!
Tellez/Cutch DH
Peguero, Davis develop we have a legitimate lineup! Nope not here we don’t do improvements that has money committed with it!
This one belongs to the Reds
I would think most teams who needed pitching at least picked up the phone.
Although I have to wonder about at least one.
acoss13
Not Chris Getz from the White Sox…
joew
assuming that the reported deal is accurate, I speculate that the guaranteed AAV would be similar but the terms probably is one reason that pushed him in the Cubs direction. Also you know its the pirates, bigger name free agents typically are not inclined to sign with them unless there isn’t another option.
There is one overseas league player that is out there, Bauer lol 🙂
Slider_withcheese
Pitchers will only sign with Pittsburgh on a one year prove it deal to reestablish their value. The only way the Pirates can lure a mid to upper tier free agent is by offering an opt out after 30 days.
Mickey Solis
“Showed interest.”
Translation: saw a highlight video, Googled his name.
Windowpane
I have shown interest in a Lamborghini. Means nothing.
panj341
After Liriano I don’t think they have signed another pitcher for more than 1 year.
Nutting once burnt always shy.
Mike Adamson
I didn’t believe it for a second!
IndyNorm
I am surprised that Cherington has not been able to sell Nutting on a multi year contract for a good pitcher who could then be traded next year. The idea that you are stuck with a guy doesn’t hold water if the guy is even decent. Opt out clauses and trades are always possible. The Piraes trade pitchers at the trading deadline all the time. They will get some prospects by mid year so they would simply be renting a top notch guy.