The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the better teams in the National League, but there’s always room for improvement when you share a league with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
One thing they could improve is their pitching. With Zack Wheeler coming off an injury, Ranger Suarez in free agency, and Jesus Luzardo’s deal about to run out, getting another starter seems smart. Fansided’s Zachary Rotman believes so as well, and urges the Phillies to sign NPB superstar Tatsuya Imai.
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“Still, Dave Dombrowski has made it clear that he'd like to make a splash in Japan, and since when was having too much starting pitching a bad thing? In fact, with Ranger Suarez likely departing in free agency, Zack Wheeler coming back from injury, Aaron Nola coming off a down year and Jesus Luzardo a year away from free agency, the need for a starter is clearer than most might believe…The Phillies still need to add to their roster, and few players figure to be more impactful than Imai,” Rotman wrote.
In eight NPB seasons, Tatsuya has a record of 58-45, an ERA of 3.15, 907 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.267 over 963 innings pitched. Pair him up with Wheeler and Christopher Sanchez, and the Phillies have a 1-2-3 punch to be feared.
With Suarez’s departure, it wouldn’t be hard to pay for Imai, either. He’s projected to receive a six-year, $157 million deal, which is well within the Phillies’ budget.
Hopefully, the Phillies act fast, as they only have three days until Imai must return to the NPB.
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