The Cubs are making their first big move of the offseason, agreeing to a deal with Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga, who has yet to be cleared medically, sources told MLB Network Insider Jon Paul Morosi on Tuesday night. The club has not confirmed the move.
Chicago had a quiet winter aside from the signing of manager Craig Counsell, but with the deal for Imanaga they have a starter in the rotation. The southpaw joins compatriot Seiya Suzuki, who joined the Cubs in 2022 after nine seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball.
Imanaga was signed by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, giving him the chance to seek an opportunity in Major League Baseball after eight seasons in the NPB. The release deadline should be Thursday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Although Imanaga hasn't received the same hype as his compatriot Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 30-year-old left-hander is a great pitcher in his own right and is considered a potential No. 2 or No. 3 starter in the majors.
Using a four-pitch mix that includes a mid-90s fastball, a splitter, a slider and a curveball, Imanaga posted a 3.18 ERA in 1,002 2/3 innings during his NPB career.
That included a 2.53 ERA with 306 strikeouts over 291 2/3 innings over the past two seasons, coming off left shoulder surgery in 2020 that forced him to miss the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. got back on his feet.
MLB fans got a good look at Imanaga when he played for his country in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. After strong performances in pool play against South Korea and in the quarterfinals, Imanaga took off and won the gold medal game against Team USA.