Shota Imanaga signs with the Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are looking to boost their team for the 2024 Major League season and have turned to players from the Japanese Baseball League (NPB). They have just signed pitcher Shota Imanaga, as Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported.

However, the agreement details are still pending as Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher, needs to pass specific medical tests before the contract can be finalized.

He was born in Kitakyushu, Japan, and came to the MLB after eight years with the Yokohama DeNA Baystars. During that period, he played in 192 Games, 30 as a starter, and posted an ERA of 2.96 after allowing 407 earned runs in 1,129.2 innings of work. His stay in the NPB was highlighted by the seven shutouts he achieved and the 1,183 strikeouts he recorded.

American fans remember Imanaga as the starting pitcher in the 2023 World Classic championship Game between the USA and Japan. The left-hander said goodbye to the Classic with three appearances and a 3.00 ERA after allowing two runs in six innings where he was on the mound.

How does the Cubs starting rotation look now?

After losing record, the Cubs missed the postseason, and their starting rotation was affected. Management then added Imanaga to the rotation, which includes Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Javier Assad.