Cubs Among Teams Pursuing Lefty Shōta Imanaga
The Cubs appear to be out of the running for Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who is now expected to command at least $250 million before factoring in his posting fee, but they could still nab a strong consolation prize. They’re reportedly among the favorites to land 30-year-old lefty Shōta Imanaga as he makes his decision on where to continue his baseball career.
Imanaga posted an incredible 174 strikeouts to just 24 walks last season in NPB play, good for a 7.25 K/BB ratio that was better than all but two MLB pitchers in 2023. His walk numbers dropped markedly in 2021 and have gotten a little better in each of the last three years, which may allow him to continue his success in the States despite a lack of overpowering stuff.
There’s also a good bit of deception to his delivery, as Imanaga has a little funk and hides the ball well from righties. His 92 mph four-seam is complemented by a broad array of secondaries led by an 82 mph sweeper and 83-84 mph splitter. That latter offering has become a staple in Japan and seems to be gaining popularity in MLB as well. Imanaga also has a firm cutter at 88 mph, a slow curve that comes in around 72 mph, and a sinker that sits 91 mph.
The Cubs are reportedly among teams interested in Shota Imanaga. pic.twitter.com/vpon0eAnlv
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) December 12, 2023
His age and projection dictate that he won’t get nearly as much as his more-hyped countryman, but Imanaga won’t come cheap. Even at an AAV that Jon Morosi says could be in the $20 million range, a much shorter duration on the deal will ensure it’s well below what Yamamoto gets. The Cubs have long been interested in the Japanese market and have been on Imanaga for a while, though so have several other teams.
There’s a sense that Jed Hoyer would like to add one starter on a multiyear deal, whether it’s Imanaga or Jordan Montgomery, then trade for more of a stopgap option. With all signs indicating that the Dodgers are about to land Tyler Glasnow, perhaps something comes together on a Shane Bieber deal with Cleveland. As much as I’d personally prefer Glasnow, he makes more sense for a Dodgers team looking to fill Shohei Ohtani‘s absence from the mound next season.
A splashy trade for some combination of Bieber, Emmanual Clase, and Josh Naylor would address several needs at once without putting the Cubs in much of a bind from a prospect-blocking standpoint. Part of that is because they’d have to part ways with several minor leaguers to make it happen. I think we’re all just hoping Hoyer can make anything happen at this point, so keep those fingers crossed.
