Cubs and Japanese Pitcher Shota Imanaga Close to Agreement
Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga is nearing a deal with the Chicago Cubs. Imanaga has had a successful career with the Yokohama Bay Stars in the NPB and has impressive stats.
Imanaga's Impressive Career in Japan
Shota Imanaga, a 30-year-old left-handed pitcher, is currently in talks with the Chicago Cubs to reach an agreement, according to a source. Imanaga has spent the majority of his career playing for the Yokohama Bay Stars in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. During his eight seasons with the team, he achieved a solid 74-55 record with a 2.96 ERA. In a total of 1,129⅔ innings, he struck out an impressive 1,183 batters.
Despite his fastball only averaging 92 mph, Imanaga has managed to generate a significant amount of carry on the pitch. This has resulted in high strikeout numbers and an overall effectiveness that is uncommon in a player standing at just 5-foot-10. In the 2023 season, Imanaga showcased his talent with a 2.80 ERA and an almost 8-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He recorded 174 strikeouts while only allowing 24 walks in 148 innings pitched. Imanaga is known for his throwback-style high socks and throws a variety of pitches, including a splitter, a traditional slider, a sweeper, a curveball, a cutter, and a straight changeup.
Fit with the Cubs' Pitching Rotation
If the deal goes through, Imanaga would likely find himself near the top of the Cubs' rotation, behind ace Justin Steele. Pitchers Jameson Taillon and Kyle Hendricks would follow, with young prospects Jordan Wicks and Javier Assad also in consideration. Steele is under team control for several more years, while Taillon is signed to a long-term deal. Hendricks, on the other hand, is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
In addition to the current roster, the Cubs are relying on their farm system to produce more young pitchers. Highly touted prospects such as Cade Horton and Ben Brown could potentially join the major leagues next season. While the Cubs have made minimal moves during the winter, the potential signing of Imanaga would be a significant addition to their roster.
Imanaga's Standing in the Free Agent Market
Shota Imanaga is considered one of the top pitchers in the second tier of this year's free agent class. His fellow countrymen, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, are also sought-after arms in the market. Ohtani recently signed a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, while Yamamoto secured a 12-season deal worth $325 million with the same team.
Imanaga gained recognition by starting the World Baseball Classic final for Team Japan, where he earned the win against the U.S. In that game, he allowed only one run over two innings pitched. Imanaga's progress in negotiations with the Cubs was first reported by USA Today Sports.
