The Doubleday Baseball League is pleased to formally announce the addition of two prominent Japanese stars to the 1997 free-agent class: 1B Kazuhiro Kiyohara and LHP Shinji Imanaka. Both players have now cleared all league entry requirements and are officially eligible to receive bids from DBL clubs.
1B Kazuhiro Kiyohara – Power Bat from Osaka Joins DBL Free Agency
Kazuhiro Kiyohara, 29, arrives with a reputation as one of Japan’s most feared power hitters. Standing 6’0” and weighing 205 lbs, the right-handed slugger features elite power (OSA Power 17, Potential 18) and a disciplined approach at the plate, highlighted by a 15 Eye rating. His batting profile projects middle-of-the-order thump, with respectable contact tools and strong overall plate discipline. Defensively, Kiyohara is best suited for first base (Rating 12) and offers experience at third base as well.
LHP Shinji Imanaka – Young Left-Handed Ace Candidate Enters the Market
At just 25 years old, Shinji Imanaka brings premium left-handed pitching talent to the free-agent pool. Featuring a four-pitch arsenal—headlined by a sharp slider (15/15) and developing curveball and changeup—Imanaka shows excellent balance across his rating profile with Stuff 13, Movement 11, and Control 12. His stamina rating of 16 positions him as a true starting pitcher capable of deep outings, and his 88–90 mph fastball pairs effectively with his offspeed mix.
Bidding Information
As previously announced, the minimum starting bid for each player is set at $200,000 per year. Full bidding procedures apply, and team representatives may begin submitting offers immediately following today’s announcement.
The Doubleday Baseball League welcomes these two international standouts and looks forward to the excitement they will bring to the 1997 season and beyond.