Chicago Cubs Nearing Deal with Japanese Pitcher Shota Imanaga

Imanaga's Impressive Strikeout and Walk Rates Could Boost Cubs' Roster Amid Questions About Team's Strategy

The Chicago Cubs are nearing a deal with Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga, with an average annual value of around $15 million.
Imanaga, 30, dominated in Japan last year, striking out 29.5% of the batters he faced and walking just 3.7%.
Imanaga's fastball led World Baseball Classic starters in Stuff+, and his slider was a top-10 Stuff+ slider among starters in the tournament.
Imanaga's signing comes as the Cubs face questions about their lack of activity in the free agent market and the future of president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer.
Despite concerns about Imanaga's fly-ball rates and home-run rates in Japan, his strikeout and walk results suggest he could be a valuable addition to the Cubs' roster.