It sounds like this starting pitcher may be one of the Red Sox’s top choices in free agency

The Boston Red Sox have some serious work to do and will be extremely busy over the next few weeks.

Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in less than two months and by then the Red Sox’s roster is expected to look different. Boston needs to land at least two frontline starters but hasn’t landed a new one yet this offseason.

The Red Sox could land some free agents or turn to the trade market. The only thing that seems certain is moves are on the way.

It’s unclear who Boston will bring in as the club has seemingly been linked in some way to every available pitcher, but some names stand out. One hurler the club reportedly has shown “consistent interest” in is Yokohama DeNA BayStars star Shōta Imanaga, according to the Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

“Imanaga’s combination of a low-90s fastball with elite ride, a slider, and tremendous command (excluding intentional walks, he issued free passes to just 3 percent of hitters he faced in 2023) suggest the 30-year old represents a potential No. 3 or No. 4 starter. The Sox have shown consistent interest in him throughout the offseason.

“Imanaga’s posting period runs through Jan. 11, attaching a deadline to his free agency. Talks involving the lefty are expected to advance throughout this week. He’s coming to the States after the new year with the hopes of either finalizing a deal or being introduced by his new team.”

The 30-year-old may not have the same upside as someone like Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, but he could be a very solid pickup. In eight professional seasons with the BayStars, he logged a career 2.96 ERA. If he can carry that level of play over to the big leagues, he will be a star.

If Boston could land Imanaga along with another top-of-the-rotation hurler, it may end up being a solid offseason after all.