The Chicago Cubs have reportedly signed a four-year, $53 million deal with Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga, with a potential extension to $80 million over five years through a club option.
A source familiar with the agreement shared the details with the AP on Wednesday night under the condition of anonymity, pending Imanaga’s physical examination.
The contract includes a club option for the 2028 season, exercisable after 2025 or 2026. If the Cubs decline the option in either instance, Imanaga has the option to opt out of the remaining contract and become a free agent.
The 30-year-old pitcher, known for securing a win for Japan in the previous year’s World Baseball Classic final against the United States, has until 5 p.m. EST on Thursday to finalize the agreement with Major League Baseball.
This acquisition marks the first significant player move for the Cubs since the appointment of Craig Counsell as the manager in November, replacing David Ross unexpectedly.
The Cubs, who were in contention for an NL wild card last season before stumbling in September, finishing with an 83-79 record, aim to strengthen their roster.
Imanaga is set to fill the void left by Marcus Stroman, who became a free agent after opting out of his contract. The Cubs already have lefty Justin Steele and right-handers Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon in their rotation.
With Cody Bellinger, who had a resurgence in Chicago, being a free agent, the team is hopeful to re-sign the slugger and may consider adding corner infielders before the upcoming spring training.
During the 2023 season with the Yokohama BayStars in Japan’s Central League, Imanaga posted a 7-4 record with a 2.80 ERA in 22 starts.
Notable for his throwback-style high socks, he struck out 174 batters and walked 24 in 148 innings. Over eight seasons with Yokohama, Imanaga accumulated a 64-50 record with a 3.18 ERA, recording 1,021 strikeouts and 280 walks in 1,002 2/3 innings.
In the MLB-NPB agreement, the posting fee is structured as 20% of the first $25 million of a major league contract, with decreasing percentages for subsequent amounts. A supplemental fee applies to earned bonuses, salary escalators, and exercised options.
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