The Chicago Cubs have made their first free-agent pickup of the off-season by concluding a deal with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) left-hander Shota Imanaga. Reports from various sources indicate that the agreement is pending a physical, scheduled for the following day. It’s a substantial acquisition for the Cubs, with the potential to significantly impact the team’s pitching rotation.
Imanaga, a 30-year-old left-hander, has had an impressive career in the NPB, recording a 2.96 ERA and 1,183 strikeouts in 1,129⅔ innings over eight seasons with the Yokohama Bay Stars. Recognized for his throwback-style high socks, Imanaga posted a 2.80 ERA in 2023 with an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio.
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but it’s anticipated to be a notable multi-year contract, potentially exceeding $100 million based on recent reporting. His transition to the MLB from the NPB is also generating significant interest, particularly in how his pitching arsenal will be adapted.
The imminent finalization of this deal has generated considerable excitement among Cubs fans, who have been eagerly anticipating the team’s off-season moves. With Imanaga’s potential impact on the pitching rotation, there is a growing sense of anticipation and optimism surrounding the team’s prospects for the coming season.
