The Chicago Cubs shocked fans and media alike when they fired David Ross and made Craig Counsell the highest-paid manager in the game two months ago. Now, the Cubs have made headlines again with the signing of Shota Imanaga to a four-year, $53 million contract, according to league sources with knowledge of the complex deal.
The deal, which was officially announced by the Cubs on Thursday morning, includes an option for the Cubs to extend Imanaga’s contract to five years after the 2025 and 2026 seasons, which would raise the overall value of the deal to $80 million. Additionally, Imanaga’s contract includes limited no-trade protection at the start, which would expand to a full no-trade clause if the Cubs exercise the option to extend the contract to five years. The deal also features escalators tied to the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards.
The signing of Imanaga comes after an offseason in which the Cubs had not committed a single dollar to a major-league free agent or executed a trade to improve an 83-win team that collapsed at the end of last season. The Cubs still have financial flexibility, prospects to trade, and several gaps in their roster, making Imanaga the opener to an offseason that could stretch into spring training.
Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher who spent the previous eight seasons with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, brings a new dynamic to the Cubs’ pitching staff. While he may not grade out as a top-of-the-rotation starter, the Cubs are always looking for more depth and different ways to enhance their pitchers’ stuff.
The Cubs understand that there will be an adjustment period for Imanaga as he transitions to the major leagues. However, the signing represents a big step towards having a credible starting pitcher for all 162 games next season, as the team looks to compete in a weak division and qualify for the expanded playoffs.
Imanaga’s signing coincided with the run-up to this weekend’s Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, creating an air of excitement among fans. However, it’s clear that the Cubs are not done making moves this offseason, as Imanaga is largely unknown and cannot be the team’s biggest signing.
The Cubs’ management is standing by its deliberate approach to free agency, choosing to work at their own pace and off their own internal valuations, with little consideration for fan and media perceptions. With the signing of Imanaga, the Cubs have made it clear that they are willing to invest in new talent and make strategic moves to strengthen the team.