The Cubs formally presented Imanaga on Friday, one day after he signed a four-year, $53 million contract. Known as “The Throwing Philosopher,” he finished the previous season with 22 starts for the Yokohama BayStars of the Central League in Japan, going 7-4 with a 2.80 ERA, 174 strikeouts, and 24 walks in 148 innings.
The 30-year-old Imanaga goes into Chicago’s rotation in place of Marcus Stroman, who opted out of his contract and has a pending $37 million, two-year deal with the New York Yankees. Additionally predicted for Chicago’s rotation are right-handers Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon, as well as lefty Justin Steele.
“We’re very excited to bring Shota on board,” said Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations for the Cubs. He’s been an excellent colleague. He’s very curious. He’s known for being an incredibly intelligent pitcher. He wants to keep improving, and the Cubs seem like the ideal fit for that.
Imanaga receives $9 million in salary this year and $13 million in salary in 2025, in addition to a $1 million signing bonus that is available within 30 days of Major League Baseball’s acceptance of the pact.
$20 million in 2026, $20 million in 2027, and $17 million in 2028 are the wages that Chicago may choose to exercise. Imanaga would have a $15 million player option for 2026 if the Cubs decline.
Chicago would have the option to pay $24 million in 2027 and $18 million in 2028 if the pitcher exercises his option.
The pitcher would have a $15 million option for 2027 if the Cubs decline their first option, Imanaga exercises his first option, and the franchise declines its second option.
After the deal expires, Imanaga will be free to sign with any agent.
Imanaga, who is known for his retro-style high socks, pitched for Yokohama for eight seasons, going 64–50 with a 3.18 ERA, 1,021 strikeouts and 280 walks in 1,002 2/3 innings. In Japan’s victory over the United States in the World Baseball Classic final the previous year, he also secured the win.
Through an interpreter, Imanaga remarked, “The World Baseball Classic experience made me think that there is more to baseball, more that I can improve on.”
