Shinnosuke Ogasawara -- Would he fit?

[Samurai Bucky]

Sounds like he could be solid and the Pitching Lab might help him to get that K rate up some more.  My guess he ends up with the Dodgers.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/10/npbs-chunichi-dragons-to-post-shinnosuke-ogasawara.html

[Scooterfletcher]

We did surprise with winning the bid on a similarly heralded Nori Aoki which turned out well.  So who knows’!

[Playing Catch]

He seems like a good risk to play to the level of his contract (I'm guessing he gets somewhere from $10-15M per season on a 3 to 5 year deal). Similar to 2nd/3rd tier FA starters, although he's younger at 27. He's left-handed. Control artist. I would doubt that he ends up a bad pitcher, but could end up below average. But his control from the left side could also make for a Milner replacement in the pen, albeit an expensive one.

If the Brewers want to have a cost-controlled lefty, he seems like a good fit. The hope would be that he's a steady rotation piece with the fallback that he's a bullpen fireman.

With that said, this front office is frugal, and loathe to chase production with longer-term, guaranteed dollars, especially with 20% surcharge. I suspect the Brewers would choose a different path.

[jay87shot]

It sounded like we were close on Shota Imagana so it is possible. I don't know if this guy is on the Imagana level but maybe close, I will have to watch some YouTube clips.

Has anyone heard anything about the 3B Munetaka Murakami coming stateside? I know he isn't due until next offseason but he was trying to work a way with his club to become a FA this offseason. I know his last 2 season haven't been huge but in 2022 he had the greatest season ever in the league. Huge power at 3rd base would be ideal if he isn't to crazy expensive. I think he is only like 25.