In January 2024, the Chicago Cubs made a significant move to bolster their starting rotation by signing Japanese left-handed pitcher Shōta Imanaga to a four-year, $53 million contract. The deal includes a club option that could extend the contract to five years and $80 million, providing the Cubs with flexibility while offering Imanaga the potential for a longer tenure with the team.
Imanaga, 30, joins the Cubs after an impressive eight-season tenure with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan’s Central League. Over 1,002⅔ innings, he posted a 3.18 ERA and struck out 1,021 batters. In 2023, he led the league with 174 strikeouts and maintained a 2.80 ERA in 22 starts. His performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he secured the win for Japan in the final against the United States, further solidified his reputation as a top-tier pitcher.
Known for his unique pitching arsenal, Imanaga employs a variety of pitches, including a fastball that averaged 94 mph during the World Baseball Classic, a slider, and a splitter. His innovative approach on the mound has drawn comparisons to fellow Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. Despite his unremarkable fastball velocity, Imanaga’s ability to generate movement and deceive hitters has been a hallmark of his success.
The Cubs’ investment in Imanaga reflects their commitment to enhancing their pitching staff. With the departure of Marcus Stroman, Imanaga’s addition provides the team with a reliable left-handed option in the rotation. He joins a starting lineup that includes Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and Jameson Taillon, offering a balanced mix of experience and talent.
In his MLB debut during the 2025 season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Tokyo, Imanaga showcased his skills by striking out nine batters over five innings. Although the Cubs narrowly lost the game 4–1, Imanaga’s performance was a promising start to his major league career.
Looking ahead, Imanaga’s presence in the Cubs’ rotation is expected to provide stability and depth. His ability to adapt to MLB competition and his track record of success in Japan position him as a key contributor to the Cubs’ pitching staff in the coming seasons.