Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs stood on the pitcher’s mound during a recent bullpen session. Even in that setting, he didn’t look like a rising star. He doesn’t throw 100 mph (160 km/h). He doesn’t tower over opponents.
No one expected Imanaga to be so good and so fast. Not even the Cubs, who believed in him more than most. The organization began compiling an Imanaga scouting database in 2018. But when the Japanese pitcher became available last winter, the Cubs didn’t jump early and enter negotiations. Even Imanaga understood his transition would be a challenge.
Still, he has become one of MLB’s most valuable players yet this season. Thirteen starts on a four-year contract worth $53 million, he has a 1.89 ERA. On Saturday, he allowed an earned run over seven innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, improving his record to 7-1.
