MLB" and Li Haoyu as teammates? Tigers is eyeing a strong investment from Japanese stars, and US media predicts that it can sign a contract worth 1.3 billion

Li Haoyu. (File photo)

[Sports Center/Comprehensive Report] The Tigers, played by Taiwanese powerhouse Li Haoyu, recently strengthened their bullpen and signed veteran reliever right-hander Emilio Pagán. At the same time, the Tigers also set their sights on the starting rotation. According to a report by well-known major league reporter Jon Morosi, the Tigers are interested in Cubs Japanese star left-hander Shota Imaga.

The 33-year-old Konaga accepted the Cubs' qualifying offer to stay with the Cubs last winter. This year is his third major league season. He has pitched 174.1 innings in 32 games, setting a career high, striking out 174 times, with an ERA of 3.77, and a record of 11 wins and 10 losses. Konaga became a free agent again during the off-season, but this time he was unable to receive qualifying offers.

The Tigers sent away Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize before the trade deadline this year. Three-time Cy Young star Justin Verlander announced his retirement, and Jack Flaherty became a free agent. Currently, only two young fireball men, Jackson Jobe and Troy Melton, are confirmed to be in the starting rotation. Tigers president Scott Harris said in a recent interview that if there is an opportunity to introduce multiple starting pitchers through trade or signing, the team will definitely consider it.

"MLBTR" predicts that Jin Yongshengtai is expected to sign a two-year contract worth US$40 million (approximately NT$1.3 billion). The Tigers' total salary this year is US$221,428, but it has now dropped to US$149,175,536. If the Tigers plan to bring the total salary back to a level close to US$200 million, there should be some room for reinforcement. Except for Framber Valdez, the Tigers currently do not have many long-term contract burdens.

Today Yongsheng Tai. (File photo)