New Chicago Cubs Addition Already Paying Major Dividends

Shota Imanaga already looks like a great addition for the Chicago Cubs.

Shota Imanaga already looks like a great addition for the Chicago Cubs. / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

With so many big-name pitchers on the market last winter like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, Shota Imanaga flew under the radar a little bit. The Chicago Cubs managed to snag him for four years and $53 million, which already looks like a massive bargain based on how quickly he's adjusted to MLB hitters.

The 30-year-old lefty made a terrific first impression in his season debut against the Colorado Rockies on April 1, firing six scoreless frames with nine strikeouts and only two hits allowed. He showed good control, too, not walking anyone and throwing 65 of his 92 pitches for strikes in his first MLB win.

The Rockies are expected to be one of the worst teams in baseball this year, however, and Imanaga drew a much tougher assignment in his second start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans wanted to see how he would navigate one of the league's best lineups.

Imanaga silenced the doubters with another gem on Sunday, holding the Dodgers to just two hits over four shutout innings as the Cubs rolled to an 8-1 victory at Wrigley Field.

That's 10 straight scoreless innings to begin Imanaga's career, not to mention a pristine 12:0 K/BB ratio. He's provided ace-level production at a fraction of the cost, helping his new team jump out to a 7-3 start.

Shota Imanaga has tossed 10.0-straight scoreless innings to begin his career, with 12 K's and no walks 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XLCJMBWGNk

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 8, 2024

If Imanaga can neutralize a lineup with three former MVPs in Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, there's nothing he can't handle.

Imanaga will face another test when he makes his first road start against the Seattle Mariners next weekend. Based on how his first two starts have gone, he shouldn't have much of an issue.