NEWSLETTER
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is unquestionably the gem of the upcoming free agent class (non-Shohei Ohtani edition), and according to Jesse Rogers (and others), the Cubs are “in” on him. Cool. Noted. Good. Etc. Always nice to have another confirmation of interest.
But we also know that (1) the Cubs are looking to add multiple starting pitchers this offseason, and (2) Yamamoto is being HEAVILY courted across the league. Even if you really, really want him, there’s no guarantee you’ll land him.
Thus, the Cubs’ efforts should be spread among a number of starting options, including Yamamoto’s countrymate Shota Imanaga, who has “already spent time in Chicago,” according to Jesse Rogers.
Now, because Imanaga has not officially been posted yet by his team in Japan (could be any day), that time spent in Chicago was not likely in any sort of direct or official capacity. But it’s nonetheless good to know that he’s familiar with the city, especially in the not-winter. And it’s all mostly besides the point, because what’s most important is that Rogers is the latest to report the Cubs are “also in” on Imanaga, whom we’ve discussed previously:
The 30-year-old lefty ace more or less always posts a sub-3 ERA in the NBP, more or less always strikes out a batter per inning, and more or less always strikes out four batters for every one he walks. It’s a remarkably consistent track record of the same level of success over the last decade in Japan.
His best two season by far, however, have come in the last two, when that ERA trends closer to 2.50, and the K/BB ratio is more like 6+ (it’s actually over 8(!) this year).
And if you’re looking for more of a reason to be excited about Imanaga, note that Jeff Passan included him in his second of six tiers of free agent starting pitchers this offseason, right alongside Eduardo Rodriguez and Sonny Gray (ahead of guys like Lucas Giolito and Marcus Stroman):
That is really high praise, likely informed by Passan’s contacts within the industry. Make no mistake, Imanaga is a well thought of free agent, probably one being overshadowed by the presence of Yamamoto (and, let’s be honest, Ohtani), who is himself among the very best pitchers to ever come over to MLB.
But because Imanaga is so well-liked, and because Kodai Senga – with whom Imanaga’s NPB performance compares reasonably well – had such a smooth transition to MLB last season, the lefty’s price tag is going to be significant. No one expects him to get over $100M (not yet anyway), but Passan suggested it could cost $80M+, and others have had him in that range, as well.
In any case, the Cubs seem primed to spend this offseason, perhaps on more than one starting pitcher, and are in on Imanaga. That’s good news and I’m glad to see he’s already enjoyed the wonderful city of Chicago. Let’s just hope he came on a good weather day.
