Title: Chicago Cubs Close to Signing Japanese Pitcher Shota Imanaga
The Chicago Cubs are reportedly nearing a deal with Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, industry insiders have revealed. While formal negotiations are still underway, there is a prevailing sense of optimism surrounding the potential signing. The Cubs and Imanaga are diligently working together to finalize the contract before the Thursday deadline, which marks his last chance to secure a major-league club.
Imanaga, a 30-year-old left-handed pitcher, has been consistently one of the top performers in Japan over the past eight years. Last season, he led the Central League in both strikeouts and strikeouts-per-nine, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and skilled player. These achievements caught the attention of a North American audience during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where Imanaga showcased his elite abilities on the mound.
While specific details regarding the contract have yet to be disclosed, recent offseasons have witnessed teams making substantial commitments to international players. Considering Imanaga’s reputation and performance, it is expected that the Cubs will likewise make a significant investment to secure his services.
Ranked as the 12th-best free agent of the offseason by The Athletic’s Big Board, Imanaga is not projected to have top-of-the-rotation potential. However, he is widely regarded as a reliable mid-rotation starter. The lefty primarily relies on his fastball, complemented by a variety of offspeed pitches. As he joins the Cubs, one of his initial challenges may be adjusting to the slightly different Major League baseball during spring training.
Despite some uncertainty surrounding his transition to the MLB, teams have shown great interest in Imanaga’s potential as a contributor to their rotation. In joining the Cubs, he will become part of a pitching staff that includes talented arms such as Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Jameson Taillon, and a group of promising young pitchers.
The Chicago Cubs, having narrowly missed the playoffs by just one game last season, recognize the need for substantial improvements to regain their competitiveness. The potential addition of Shota Imanaga to the team’s rotation may prove to be a significant step towards achieving that goal.
