Sho-Time: The Shota Imanaga Saga Cubs’ Japanese Star Staking Claim for Cy Young, Rookie of the Year
Gleaming in the free agency limelight were Japanese prospect Yoshinobu Yamamoto and former Los Angeles Angels megastar Shohei Ohtani, who have since contributed to the formidable 32-17 Los Angeles Dodgers since signing in December. The Dodgers spared no expense, committing an estimated $607.17 million to strengthen their roster with a pair of battle-tested, seasoned professionals capable of pushing the team over the hump come October. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs invested a bargain of $22.5 million over the next two seasons to tie down lesser-known 30-year-old rookie Shota Imanaga. Despite leading the Nippon Professional Baseball League in strikeouts, Imanaga was seen as a "consolation prize" compared to the headline-grabbing stars Yamamoto and Ohtani. Through a quarter of the MLB season, Imanaga has emerged as not only the Cubs' best-starting pitcher but a lead contender for both Cy Young and Rookie of the Year honors. Here's how the Japanese sensation has taken the MLB by storm and how he compares to his classmates and peers.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga immediately endeared himself to the Chicago faithful when he recited the team’s theme song, “Go Cubs Go,” at his introductory press conference on Jan 15th — without the need for translation from his English interpreter. Imanaga pulled tighter on the heartstrings of Cubs fans when he struck out nine batters and succumbed to just two hits over six innings during his April 1st mound debut. Since then, he's been consistently brilliant, leading the league with a 0.84 ERA, walking only nine batters, and maintaining a perfect 5-0 record. His most recent performance might be his best yet as he retired 11 consecutive batters, allowed just four hits, struck out seven Pirates, and ultimately lowered his ERA to the league-leading 0.84 mark mentioned moments ago. Imanaga has set himself apart, posting the lowest ERA for a pitcher since the metric became an official category in 1913. However, challengers emerge and threaten the Japanese newcomer.
Imanaga, while pitching at an unprecedented volume, is challenged by the MLB’s 2023 No. One overall pick Paul Skenes, who recently crossed paths in the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 waxing of the Chicago Cubs on Friday. Skenes has seamlessly acclimated to the MLB, securing two wins in as many appearances and dazzling in his debut. He’s allowed just three runs on six hits, 18 strikeouts, three walks, and a repertoire highlighted by a lethal 100.1 mph fastball—two ticks higher than most active starters. Imanaga faces a conflict of interest with fellow Cubs’ ace Javier Assad, whose top-three ERA, unblemished 4-0 season mark and 42 strikeouts over 48.1 innings create an internal power struggle — a great problem to have if you’re Cubs' brass. Another notable force, and current National League Cy Young front-runner, is Philadelphia Phillies ace Ranger Suarez, who ties just four other pitchers with one shutout, nibbles at the heels of Imanaga’s ERA at 1.37, and leads the MLB with eight wins on the season. It’s lofty expectations to ask from the irrepressible up-and-comer but if he continues to hover around elite company, the sky’s the limit.
