ChicagoA club option to extend Shota Imanaga’s $53 million, four-year contract to $80 million over five seasons is included in the agreement.
Although it was awaiting the Japanese left-hander’s medical, a source with knowledge of the arrangement revealed its details to the AP on Wednesday night under the condition of anonymity.
The Cubs may activate a 2028 option under the terms of the agreement after 2025 or ’26. Imanaga would be able to choose to opt out of the remaining contract and become a free agent if the team declined the option in any case.
The 30-year-old Imanaga, who secured Japan’s victory against the United States in the World Baseball Classic final the previous year, has until Thursday at 5 p.m. EST to submit a completed agreement to Major League Baseball.
Imanaga’s hiring is Chicago’s first major move since it unexpectedly recruited Craig Counsell as manager in November, replacing David Ross. The Cubs finished below.500 in the previous two seasons, but they were on the verge of an NL wild card last year before faltering in September and finishing with an 83-79 record.
Marcus Stroman, who opted out of his contract and became a free agent, gets replaced by someone signed by Imanaga to play for Chicago. In addition, the Cubs have right-handers Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon scheduled for rotation along with lefty Justin Steele.
After a breakout season in Chicago, Cody Bellinger is a free agent, and the Cubs are trying to re-sign the slugger. A corner infielder or two could also be added before spring training starts the following month.
Imanaga pitched for the Central League Yokohama BayStars of Japan in season, going 7-4 with a 2.80 ERA in 22 starts. In 148 innings pitched, he struck out 174 and walked 24.
Known for his retro-style high socks, Imanaga 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 the WBC final, he gave up a home run to Trea Turner while giving up one run and four hits in two innings, with an average fastball velocity of 93.5 mph.
