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The Detroit Tigers are in the market for pitching help, and according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, they have expressed interest in Shota Imanaga. The Tigers dealt away Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize at the trade deadline, and Jack Flaherty has hit free agency, leaving the rotation in need of reinforcements.
Imanaga presents an intriguing option. He may not be the most coveted arm available, but he has posted a 3.45 ERA across 86 career starts with the Chicago Cubs. Last season, he recorded a 3.77 ERA and struck out 174 batters. While Michael King and Freddy Peralta appear to be stronger alternatives and the Tigers are expected to pursue them as well, Imanaga's All-Star pedigree is tempered by a significant weakness: he surrenders a high volume of home runs.
He served up 35 homers last season and 31 in 2025, and even during his All-Star campaign, he allowed 27. He has ranked in the top five in home runs allowed in each of his big-league seasons, finishing second last year. On the bright side, Imanaga's control is excellent—he ranked in the 95th percentile for walk rate last season. A move to Comerica Park, a venue less hospitable to home runs than Wrigley Field, could help mitigate his long-ball issues.
Key Analysis
Imanaga's home run problem is a legitimate concern, but his strong walk rate and the pitcher-friendly dimensions of Comerica Park suggest he could be a worthwhile buy-low candidate. The Tigers would be wise to explore other options first, but Imanaga offers a potential rebound opportunity if his new environment helps keep the ball in the park.
Originally reported by yahoo.