Chicago Cubs Sign Shota Imanaga: Pending a Physical

This week, baseball fans have been on pins and needles, wondering about the fate of lefty pitcher, Shota Imanaga. His signing window ticked down to just 48 hours. However, there is finally some solid news on the guy. He’s a cub. The Cubs sign Shota Imanaga and it is just pending on a physical later this week.

Every baseball franchise is scrambling for pitching options. Some need righties, others left-handed hurlers. However, the Cubs believe Shota is exactly what they need to go next level.

The 2023 season for the Cubs was not exactly bad. They do barely miss the playoffs; however, such a performance indicates the team is improving, getting better and close to being a postseason contender. Furthermore, Chicago has been kinda quiet this offseason, but they did grab a new manager, Craig Counsell. 

Nevertheless, something poked the bear, because the Cubs are roaring into action and snatching up a hot commodity pitcher. Through 8 seasons in the NPB, Shota posts a 3.18 ERA over 1002.2 IP.

Jon Heyman of the NY Post; was in on all the rumblings about Imanaga early today. Heyman reveals,

“Cubs and Red Sox seen as very much in play on lefthander Shota Imanaga. Giants another possible team among 5 suitors. Angels appear to be looking elsewhere at moment.”

However, just moments later the Giants and Sox also drop from the list of suitors for Shota. Leaving just Chicago in the mix. Bob Nightengale is the first to report and seemingly confirm the signing. Bob says,

“The Chicago Cubs have reached a tentative deal with Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga. He will undergo a physical in Chicago on Thursday before the deal becomes official. The Cubs preached patience all winter and finally strike with their first move.”

Chicago Cubs Sign Shota Imanaga: Pending a Physical

The Cubs and their fans are hoping this signing really helps to bolster the pitching rotation. Imanaga has been one of the most consistent starters in NPB for years and pitched to a 2.66 ERA last season. That type of consistency could prove to be a real asset to the team.

Whats next? Well, if some of the fans get another of their wishes, it’s Bellinger. Many Cubs loyalist want the ball club to extend the center fielder. Whether the Cubs actually want to, proves to be a mystery.

However, time is running out for all teams. Spring training is quickly approaching and the start of the 2024 season is literally weeks out. Therefore, it should be exciting to see how every team’s final roster takes shape.

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