The Chicago Cubs have had a disappointing season until recently, but their rookie pitcher has given the fan base something to smile about all year long.
Shōta Imanaga, along with starters Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon, forms a robust pitching staff that should help make the Cubs relevant again in 2025, or perhaps sooner if they can shock the world and surge into a playoff spot in the final month here.
Chicago knew what it had in Steele and Taillon, but Imanaga’s rookie campaign has been a delightful surprise. He was a sleeper Cy Young candidate during the first half of the season and was consequently elected to the All-Star game in July.
In an article entitled “Austin Wells, Jackson Chourio and Top 25 MLB Rookies of 2024” published Thursday, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter ranked Imanaga No. 3.
“Left-hander Shōta Imanaga has made a smooth transition to Major League Baseball after eight seasons with the Yokohama Bay Stars in the Japanese League, and he has been a consistent bright spot for a Chicago Cubs team that has fallen short of expectations,” Reuter said.
“If not for two terrible starts during the first half of the season when he allowed a combined 19 hits and 17 earned runs across 7.1 total innings, his strong overall numbers would look even better.”
“With those two duds removed from the mix, he has a 2.10 ERA in 133 innings over his other 22 appearances, and his 14 quality starts slot in just ahead of Paul Skenes (13) to lead all rookie pitchers.”
Beyond performing on the mound, Imanaga has provided Wrigley Field with a fresh personality. Chicago should do everything they can to keep Imanaga around for good and make him a lifelong Cub.
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