Chicago Cubs Officially Introduce Shōta Imanaga After Finalizing $53 Million Contract

Imanaga, known as 'The Throwing Philosopher', joins the Cubs' rotation, marking the team's first major player acquisition since hiring Craig Counsell as manager.

Shōta Imanaga, a Japanese left-hander, has been officially introduced by the Chicago Cubs after finalizing a $53 million, four-year contract that could become an $80 million, five-year deal.
Imanaga, nicknamed 'The Throwing Philosopher', had a 7-4 record with a 2.80 ERA in 22 starts last season with the Yokohama BayStars of Japan’s Central League.
Imanaga will step into Chicago’s rotation in place of Marcus Stroman, joining lefty Justin Steele and right-handers Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon.
Imanaga's contract includes several options for extension and escalation based on performance, including a $1 million increase for winning a Cy Young Award.
Imanaga's signing is the first major player acquisition for the Cubs since hiring Craig Counsell as manager in November.