Fans of the Chicago Cubs and the team as a whole haven’t exactly had the kind of offseason they had hoped for when it first started.
It appeared as though the Cubs would be in a strong position to sign at least one of the elite players that were available on the market.
They haven’t added anyone significant to their roster as of yet, though, and they don’t appear to be any closer to contending this year than they were in 2023.
Even if the offseason has started off grimly, it is still early, and Chicago still has time to make an impression before the next season starts.
Jim Bowden, a former MLB executive and current insider, revealed that he has sources telling him the Cubs are among the four teams vying to sign Japanese sensation pitcher Shota Imanaga.
The other three teams they face are the Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, and Boston Red Sox.
Although Yoshinobo Yamamoto gained more attention as a free agent, the 30-year-old left-handed starter is still a reliable pitcher who would improve Chicago’s rotation.
Imanaga grants one of the wishes their pitching coach had this offseason, even though he wouldn’t be regarded as a star by those like Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, or even Jordan Montgomery.
Upon acquiring a rotation boost, the Cubs may refocus their efforts on acquiring one of the prominent players that remain unsigned.
Although Bowden refrained from disclosing Imanaga’s asking price or the offers he has received thus far, prior tidings suggested that his expenses escalated as these major market teams intensified their pursuit of him.
Although there is no timeline for the announcement, Chicago is at least coming closer to making their first significant acquisition.
