The San Diego Padres are in a good position to land many of the top International players coming out of Japan.
Given California's proximity to Japan compared to other parts of the USA, the Padres should be acquiring more players than they have.
This winter will be another opportunity for the Padres to go all out and make the necessary moves to land some of the top players on the Japanese market, including Tatsuya Imai, a 5-foot-11 right-hander who is just 27 years old.
Yankees seen as landing spot for Japanese star
When predicting where the youngster could land, Jake Elman of FanSided believes Imai will end up with the Padres or the New York Yankees.
“Passan shared that sources are divided on how much Imai could command on the open market, with one estimate going as high as $200 million. Others were more skeptical, and one of Passan’s sources even proposed an $80 million contract. Don’t be surprised to see the New York Yankees or San Diego Padres go all-in on trying to land Imai, especially given their history in attracting Japanese pitchers,” he wrote.
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The Padres will have some benefits over the Yankees, given the difference in flight time from New York City compared to San Diego.
While the Padres can't worry too much about free agency right now, as they're in a position to win a World Series, it's important that the front office and international scouting department continue to look for talent outside of America.
Many of the top players in baseball have come over from Japan in recent years.