The Chicago Cubs pursued Shohei Ohtani and expressed interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto. They entertained the idea of acquiring Jordan Montgomery and explored trades for pitchers like Dylan Cease. Despite this, the Cubs ultimately secured Japanese starting pitcher Shota Imanaga. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, after one month, this acquisition is considered the “steal” of the offseason.
Imanaga, who was not as highly sought after as Yamamoto, signed a $300 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers to join Ohtani. Nonetheless, the Cubs successfully attracted Imanaga to Chicago, a feat made easier by his existing affinity for the team. Prior to signing, he spent several days in the city incognito and even selected Ben Zobrist’s number as his own. The official contract amounted to $53 million over four years.
This investment has proven highly fruitful. Imanaga boasts a remarkable record of 4-0 with a stellar 0.98 ERA in 27.2 innings, accompanied by a 0.80 WHIP. He joins an elite club as the second pitcher ever to achieve a 4-0 team record, along with 20 or more strikeouts and a sub-1.00 ERA in their first four career MLB games since 1913.
Furthermore, his contract is proving to be a bargain. Imanaga’s salary for this season is $10 million, aiding the Cubs in managing their payroll, followed by $13 million next season. This totals $23 million for two seasons of stellar performance, a steal considering he was acquired through free agency rather than developed within the team.
Looking ahead, the Cubs retain leverage. After the 2025 season, they have the option to sign him to a three-year, $57 million extension, offering $20 million in 2026 and 2027, and $17 million thereafter. Given Imanaga’s current performance, he is likely to be considered underpaid by any standard.
Despite criticism for missing out on other free agents during the offseason, the Cubs seem to have made the right move with Imanaga.
