Shota Imanaga to Open Cubs’ 2025 Season in Tokyo Against Dodgers

The Japanese ace will take the mound in his home country as Chicago faces Los Angeles in a two-game series on March 18-19.

Shota Imanaga, the Cubs’ standout left-handed pitcher, will start one of the two games in the Tokyo Series against the Dodgers next month.
Imanaga, a former Nippon Professional Baseball star, had an impressive rookie MLB season in 2024, finishing with a 2.91 ERA and earning All-Star honors.
The Tokyo Series marks a rare opportunity for Imanaga to pitch in front of his home fans, alongside other Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell and team leadership have emphasized Imanaga’s importance in setting the tone for the season on the global stage.
The series will also showcase the Cubs’ ambitions for 2025, with Imanaga leading a roster eager to prove itself against one of MLB’s top teams.