Overview

• 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.