The Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB) announced they reached a four-year deal with Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga. The agreement is reportedly worth US$30 million and includes opt-out clauses.
Born in 1993, Imanaga is a left-handed pitcher who made his NPB debut in 2016 for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. He became a premium starter in 2019 after starring in the 2018-2019 Australian Baseball League (ABL). He started two games for Japan at the WBSC Premier12 2019.
On 7 June 2022 Imanaga threw the 85th no-hitter in NPB's history.
He enjoyed his best season in 2023. He started the World Baseball Classic final against the United States. He later dominated NPB's Central League hitters with 188 strikeouts.
Imanaga will join WBSC Premier12 reigning MVP Seiya Suzuki on the Cubs' roster.
