Explained: How $53 Million, 4-Year Shota Imanaga Is Better ‘For Value’ Pitcher Than $325 Million, 12-Year Yoshinobu Yamamoto

$53 million or $325 million – What should the value of a top pitcher be? It’s quite easy to answer. One needs to pay huge amounts for a quality player, that’s just how the market works. As a result, no one was surprised when Yoshinobu Yamamoto got that monstrous $325 million deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, in a surprising turn of events, Yamamoto is getting outshined by a $53 million Chicago Cubs rookie and compatriote – Shota Imanaga. 

Interestingly both of these Japanese stars have made their MLB debut this year. But while Yamamoto has been swimming in media attention, Imanaga has remained under a shadow. Their free agency already gave a hint of this phenomenon. Yoshinobu Yamamoto had the whole league in a frenzy but Imanaga’s entire process went relatively quietly. But then none of that matters in the ballpark and the Philosopher has proved it.

Shota Imanaga’s historical start overshadows Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s beginnings 

It’s easy to forget that Shota Imanaga is called a Pitching Philosopher for a reason. This is a man who has written a book on his pitching technique. Even though he was well-sought after, Imanaga signing a mere 4-year $53 million deal (with an option to add a 5th year) seemed a little inexplicable. But now it looks like a steal…For the Chicago Cubs, of course. 

Per Baseball Reference, Shota Imanaga is currently enjoying a 4-0 record. More importantly, the Cubs’ ace has a ridiculous 0.98 ERA! He’s leading the league in both of those criteria. That’s beyond any expectations for a pitcher that didn’t cost much to the Cubbies. On the other hand, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s form has been rather topsy-turvy. 

The Dodgers star had a disastrous start where he gave away 5 runs in one inning. However, he has recovered since then. Still, as of now, Yamamoto’s record stands at 2-1 with a 3.54 ERA. While that’s quite good for a rookie, it’s nowhere near what Imanaga has been doing. It seems at $53 million – Imanaga might be a better “for value” pitcher in the league. What’s even more absurd is that there’s a real possibility that Imanaga might create history if things continue going this way.

Can the Pitching Philosopher become the first-ever Japanese Cy Young winner?

Despite the presence of huge stars like Yu Darvish, Kenta Maida, and Masahiro Tanaka – no Japanese player has ever won the Cy Young Award. That’s quite surprising but Imanaga’s current form makes him a strong contender for the prize. Especially because according to MLB.com – Shota Imanaga’s doing something that the Chicago Cubs have never seen before. 

Imanaga is the first Cubs starter to go at least 4-0 in his first five games. Even more exciting is that he’s only the 37th pitcher in all of MLB to do that. No one else other than Imanaga has gone 4-0 with an ERA under 1.00 since 1945. The Chicago Cubs are witnessing something special.  And if this continues, would it surprise anyone if Imanaga finds himself creating history?