Angels Appear to Be Out of Running for Top Free Agent Starting Pitcher

They seem to have turned their attention elsewhere.

The Los Angeles Angels are reportedly turning their attention off of top free agent starting pitcher Shota Imanaga. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox are seen as "very much in play" on the left-handed pitcher, while the Angels "appear to be looking elsewhere at (the) moment."

Cubs and Red Sox seen as very much in play on lefthander Shota Imanaga. Giants another possible team among 5 suitors. Angels appear to be looking elsewhere at moment.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 9, 2024

The Angels have been one of the teams in on Imanaga since he was posted. However, as his deadline to sign a contract nears, it sounds like they may have moved on from the lefty pitcher.

Imanaga has until Thursday, Jan. 11 at 5:00 p.m. ET to have a contract finalized and signed with a team. Since it could take time to pass a physical and formally sign the contract, Imanaga should make his decision in the next 24 hours.

On Monday, it was reported that the Giants were emerging as the frontrunner for Imanaga. However, less than 24 hours later, the Giants are just one of five suitors, according to Heyman.

An Imanaga decision should be imminent, as he risks missing out on the opportunity to sign with an MLB team if his posting window expires.

While we can't necessarily count the Angels out, Heyman makes it seem like they won't be coming to an agreement with the Japanese pitcher.