Report: White Sox Have 'Emerged as Frontrunners' for Tatsuya Imai -

"This would have seemed ludicrous two weeks ago, maybe less, but the White Sox surprising everyone by landing Munetaka Murakami has changed the calculus a bit. Even with copious amounts of salt being applied to Google's translation of a Yahoo Japan article, it's hard to dismiss the report that the White Sox "have suddenly emerged as the frontrunners" to sign righty starter Tatsuya Imai."

"This could very well be a product of the pending ownership change on the South Side, with Justin Isbia agreeing to a deal that allows him to chance to buy future controlling interest from Jerry Reinsdorf. Whether it's an infusion of Ishbia's cash or just the knowledge that Reinsdorf won't be on the hook for the later years of a long-term deal, things may be changing on the South Side."

"Then again, this could be a matter of the Sox trying to capitalize on what could be a lighter market than expected. The Yahoo Japan report says they are "approaching [Imai] with a contract of around three years, rather than a long-term one of seven years." They managed to land Murakami with a two-year, $34 million contract that came in at around 20% of some projections, so they might be coasting on the confidence of that coup."

The White Sox have emerged as frontrunners to sign righty Tatsuya Imai, with the Yankees and Phillies also likely candidates and the Mets and Cubs expected to compete. Earlier indications showed the Yankees shifting focus to Cody Bellinger and other options, while other teams have hesitated to extend offers. The Sox are taking a proactive stance and appear to favor a shorter contract strategy, approaching Imai with roughly a three-year deal rather than a seven-year commitment. Pending ownership change and Justin Ishbia's potential future control may enable increased spending or reduced long-term liability. Imai, age 27, might prefer a shorter deal to reach free agency again.

Read at Cubsinsider