CHICAGO – Shota Imanaga, a prominent Japanese baseball pitcher, has signed a major-league contract worth $53 million with the Chicago Cubs. The deal includes options that could potentially raise the total value to $80 million. This signing comes after Imanaga entered the posting system created by Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball. It seems Imanaga sought a new challenge and was drawn to the allure of playing in Chicago.
Imanaga took a keen interest in the Cubs, even though they were initially not in the picture. He visited the United Center, where he listened to the national anthem during one of Connor Bedard’s home games with the Chicago Blackhawks. Imanaga was so captivated by the city that he returned to buy a Michael Jordan jersey and even took a photo next to the iconic statue of the basketball legend.
To explore his options as a free agent, Imanaga made himself available for meetings in Illinois during the Christmas season. His agency, Octagon, which has an office in Chicago, facilitated the process. Imanaga and his associates stayed at a suburban hotel, tried comfort food at a local Japanese grocery store, and worked out at a nearby facility. They also took advantage of their time in Chicago, capturing tourist photos and engaging in a fun game of “Where’s Shota?”
While the Cubs did not appear to be frontrunners initially, they showed interest in Imanaga throughout the negotiations. Cubs executives Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins patiently observed the market, refraining from making any major moves until the right opportunity presented itself. Hoyer scouted Imanaga personally during a trip to Japan last September and maintained contact with his representatives.
The Cubs’ ability to recruit and personalize pitches for free agents has proven successful in the past, particularly with Japanese players such as Yu Darvish and Seiya Suzuki. This personalized approach, combined with the team’s financial resources and prospect depth, positioned the Cubs as serious contenders for Imanaga’s signature.
Imanaga’s signing with the Cubs is significant for the team, especially considering their strategic approach to the offseason. The Cubs made a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers, acquiring reliever Yency Almonte and left-handed hitter Michael Busch. These additions will bolster the Cubs’ bullpen and provide depth in their lineup. The moves indicate that the Cubs are ready to make further deals and actively shape their roster in the coming months.
Imanaga’s official introduction as a Chicago Cub will take place during the Cubs Convention at the Loews Chicago Hotel. Being recognized by a clerk while buying a tie in Cubbie blue for the press conference is a sign that Imanaga’s anonymity is already fading. The Cubs’ intensity and determination in pursuing Imanaga made him feel valued and ultimately influenced his decision to join the team.
With this new signing, the Chicago Cubs have secured a talented pitcher and demonstrate their commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season.