The Chicago Cubs Close to Signing Japanese Pitcher Shota Imanaga
The Chicago Cubs are on the verge of making a major addition to their pitching rotation with the impending signing of Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga. League sources stated on Tuesday night that an agreement is close, but there is still work to be done before the Thursday deadline for the deal to be finalized.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today initially reported a tentative deal, noting that Imanaga’s physical in Chicago remains one of the final obstacles. The 30-year-old left-handed pitcher has been a standout player in Japan over the past eight years, solidifying himself as one of the top starting pitchers in the league.
Imanaga gained international attention in the 2023 World Baseball Classic when he impressed as Japan’s starter during the championship game against the United States. His strong performance showcased his elite pitching abilities and versatility on the mound.
In recent months, there has been a growing anticipation surrounding Imanaga’s potential move to the major leagues. Many baseball experts have ranked him as one of the top free-agent pitchers available this offseason. His impressive track record in Japan has not gone unnoticed, with his stellar 2022 and 2023 seasons solidifying his status as a sought-after player.
Despite some uncertainty about how his game will translate to the major leagues, there is a consensus among MLB teams that Imanaga has the potential to become a reliable mid-rotation starter. He brings a diverse pitching arsenal that includes multiple variations of offspeed pitches, showcasing his strikeout abilities and consistent performance on the mound.
If the deal with Imanaga is finalized, he will join a Cubs rotation that has already made significant strides. With a fresh addition to the team, the Cubs hope to bolster their chances of making a deep playoff run next season. The signing of Imanaga could signal the start of a busy offseason for the Cubs as they look to make further improvements to their roster.
As negotiations continue in the lead-up to the Thursday deadline, many are eagerly anticipating the finalization of the deal between the Chicago Cubs and Shota Imanaga, which would be a major coup for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.