Shota Imanaga’s Contract Looks Like Bargain for Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly close to signing Japanese free agent Shota Imanaga. The 30-year-old starting pitcher was seeking a $100 million contract this offseason, but it looks like the Cubs are getting a bargain for the lefty.

According to multiple reports, Imanaga’s contract will be complicated, with player and team options included. In terms of guaranteed money, the Cubs might only be spending $15 million a year.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden and New York Post’s Jon Heyman, both have reported and characterized Imanaga’s deal with the Cubs as “complicated,” but while the terms still have not been made official it seems as though Imanaga will be able to earn up to $80 million, while the starting guarantee is a short, two-year contract worth $30 million.

So, after seeing speculation that a team would cave in to Imanaga’s demands and fork over a $100 million contract, this deal looks like a steal in comparison. Of course, the Cubs will have to wait and see how much production and how effective Imanaga will be in MLB to actually call it a steal.

In 2023, Imanaga led the NPB in strikeouts with 174, while also having a low walk rate, allowing 24 walks in 148 innings. In 22 starts, the left-hander posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.