LHP DeNA BayStars
One of the team's two left-handed starters with exceptional hop on their fastballs, Imanaga's 91.5 mph heater ranked No. 2 last season in value among NPB pitchers with 90 innings or more, according to Delta Graphs. The BayStars ace complements that with an excellent curve and a changeup. One of Japan's most extreme fly-ball pitchers, Imanaga is sometimes called a "pitching philosopher" for his offbeat takes in Japan's ubiquitous "hero interviews."