3 free agents the Red Sox will regret not signing once 2024 season starts

Shōta Imanaga

Probably the move that will be most regretted by the Red Sox is missing out on Shōta Imanaga. Boston seemed to be a finalist for the talented pitcher's services, but in the end, did not land him.

The team wasn't willing to give what it took to add a great arm to their rotation. Yes, he isn't the top-of-the-rotation arm like Yamamoto but he's still a great arm and would have moved the needle for the Sox. For a front office that claimed they would go "full throttle" during the offseason, they've not backed up that statement with the current moves made.

Imanaga ended up signing with the Cubs on a four-year $53 million deal. That's an AAV of $13.25 million and an absolute steal for a pitcher with his talent. The deal also includes two mutual options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons and a club option for 2028. Why the Red Sox weren't willing to match that deal is beyond everyone.

Imanaga showed just how talented he is during the World Baseball Classic in which Japan won over Team USA.

Throughout his career in Japan, Imanaga is 64-50 with a 3.18 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. He would have been a perfect fit for the Red Sox and it's a shame fans won't have the chance to see him play on a daily basis over the next few years.

There are still some free-agent options available for Boston to improve their rotation. Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are two of the biggest names left and each would be a welcome sight to a Red Sox rotation that is right-hand heavy at the moment. That'll be up to ownership, though. If they weren't willing to spend on these guys, there's little reason for them to extend themselves with who's left.

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