In last offseason’s free agency period, the attention was on Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Japanese import starting pitchers. However, it was Shota Imanaga who signed a lucrative contract with the Chicago Cubs that has been turning heads in the National League. Despite the offensive decline in the game, Imanaga has been performing exceptionally well with a 5-0, 0.78 record and a 35/4 K/BB ratio in 34 2/3 innings, helping the Cubs stay in the NL Central lead alongside the Milwaukee Brewers.
Imanaga’s success can be attributed to his unique pitching style, similar to other Japanese pitchers like Hideo Nomo, who have historically excelled in MLB. His dominance on the mound has been notable, with his batted ball-based metrics stabilizing quickly and showcasing his true talent level early on in the season. With a standout performance like this, there will be adjustments from opposing hitters, but Imanaga’s abilities have proven to be a valuable asset for the Cubs’ rotation.
Despite the remarkable start to the season, Imanaga has benefited from favorable early season weather and his ability to induce fly balls and pop-ups. However, there are some concerns regarding his fly ball authority, with an average fly ball exit velocity allowed that is below league average. Additionally, his performance in suppressing line drive authority has been exceptional, as hitters are batting below average on line drives against him.
Imanaga’s impressive K-BB spread, comparable to top pitchers like Zach Eflin, reflects his ability to miss bats and limit free passes, giving him a margin for error in contact management. Breaking down his repertoire, his four-seam fastball and splitter have been standout pitches, with his splitter showcasing exceptional effectiveness similar to elite pitchers like Kevin Gausman. His overall Adjusted Contact Score has been impressive, highlighting his command and pitch quality on the mound.
While comparisons to other successful pitchers have been made, Imanaga’s performance has stood out for its consistency and potential for high returns. With a strong floor and ceiling, along with some injury risk, the Cubs’ investment in Imanaga seems promising. As the season progresses, Imanaga’s performance will be closely monitored to see if he can maintain his impressive numbers and continue to be a key player for the Cubs’ success on the mound.
