The Chicago Cubs have finalized a deal with Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga, signing him to a four-year, $53 million contract.
The deal includes provisions for the team to extend the contract to $80 million over five years, but Imanaga has the option to become a free agent if the Cubs decline the extension. [ more ]
Yankees Mailbag: Yamamoto and secondary options, Judge's foot, and Ohtani details
The New York Yankees have a backup plan if they are outbid for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which may involve pursuing other starting pitchers on the free agent market.
A potential backup option for the Yankees could be a reunion with Jordan Montgomery, who has excelled since getting traded from the Yankees and has been a consistent pitcher.
The Yankees' rotation was already an area of need heading into the offseason, and they will need to make several moves to augment it. [ more ]
Yankees are giving Yoshinobu Yamamoto pursuit all they've got
The New York Yankees have expressed interest in signing Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is the top arm on the free-agent market.
Yamamoto is expected to have multiple suitors, including big-market teams like the Giants, Mets, and Dodgers, and could sign a contract worth over $200 million. [ more ]