All Eyes on Shota Imanaga – Breaking Down Chicago Cubs New-Look Starting Five

After months of wait the Chicago Cubs have finally begun their offseason business. Initially, they weren’t favorites for Shota Imanaga but things started clicking a few days ago. The North Siders leaped ahead of many and now they have signed him. With this, the Cubs’ rotation has found its philosopher, and the changes he’ll cause are mouth-watering.

The Chicago Cubs had a middle-of-the-road rotation last year. With a Cy Young challenger leading the line, they needed one piece to turn that into a winning lineup. Imanaga may prove to be that missing piece. A deeper look at their updated lineup would make it easier to understand how the Cubs are shaping up after this blockbuster signing.

The Chicago Cubs lineup getting a massive boost

With an ERA of 4.08, the Cubs pitching staff ranked 14th in MLB last season. This slight underperformance was perhaps one of the reasons why the Cubs missed playoffs for the third time in a row. So changes had to be made and Shota Imanaga represents the first major improvement on that front this offseason. He’ll join a lineup comprising Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Kyle Hendricks, and Jordan Wicks. 

With a 16-5 record and a 3.06 ERA, Justin Steele was the perfect ace for the Cubbies last season. Though his performance suffered a little by the end of the season, he was impressive enough to have ranked 5th in the Cy Young voting. Together with Imanaga, he would create a strong one-two punch by the Cubs. 

Coming back from a shoulder injury, Kyle Hendricks has shown improved velocity and walk rate. Things could shape up well for him in 2024 especially as he’ll be entering that season noticeably fitter than before. On the other hand, Taillon would want to forget his 2023. With an ERA of. 4.84, he was a massive disappointment and could see himself dropping down the ladder for Imanaga. 

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Jordan Wicks proved himself well in a limited capacity last season. 2024 could see the Cubs depending more on him and giving him a permanent place in the lineup. All in all the Cubs look well set for 2024 with Imanaga giving them one very important element.

Shota Imanaga – the missing piece in the Cubbies’ puzzle

Imanaga is a specialist in reducing the rates. In his entire NPB career, Imanaga has consistently proved that point. Also, with an ERA of 2.66, Imanaga recorded 188 strikeouts last year, these are the kind of stats that the Cubs need. Their lineup ranked 19th in strikeouts, which is quite low for a team competing for the playoffs. 

So with the physicals almost done, now the official announcement by the Cubs is awaited. Jon Morosi reporting a multi-year contract with $15 million AAV, is there a chance for the Cubs to improve their offseason even more by adding another pitcher? 

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