Chicago Cubs Secure Japanese Ace Shōta Imanaga in $56 Million Deal
The Chicago Cubs have made a significant addition to their roster by signing Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga to a $56 million contract. This move comes as the Cubs seek to reinforce their pitching lineup following the departure of Marcus Stroman, who opted out of his contract to become a free agent.
Imanaga, a standout pitcher from the Yokohama BayStars, brings a strong track record to Chicago. Last season, he posted a 2.80 ERA in 22 starts, striking out 174 batters while walking only 24 over 148 innings. His impressive performance also includes a victory in the World Baseball Classic final against the United States, where he pitched effectively and showcased his talent on an international stage.
The 30-year-old Imanaga has a career ERA of 3.18 over eight seasons with Yokohama, amassing 1,021 strikeouts in 1,002 2/3 innings. Known for his high socks and powerful fastball, which averaged 93.5 mph in the WBC final, Imanaga is expected to be a key player in the Cubs’ rotation.
This acquisition is a significant step for the Cubs, who finished last season with an 83-79 record, narrowly missing out on an NL wild card spot. With Imanaga joining the likes of Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, and Jameson Taillon, the Cubs are looking to improve their performance and make a stronger push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.
Leave a Reply