The Chicago Cubs appears certain to acquire a significant addition to their roster by reportedly reaching a deal with NPB left-hander Shota Imanaga on a contract.
After their near-miss of the playoffs in 2023, this signing will mark their second major move of the offseason, the first one being acquiring manager Craig Counsell. This places them as potentially only one impactful hitter away from strengthening their status as postseason contenders in 2024.
Marcus Stroman unexpectedly leaving, created a vaccum in Chicago’s rotation, leaving them with definite starters in Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon (coming off a challenging year).
Rookies Jordan Wicks and swingman Javier Assad present possibilities, but depending on both for rotation spots might be unrealisitic, endangering the Cub’s competitiveness in 2024.
How will Imanaga fit in with the Chicago Cubs?
Imanaga joining the Cubs will put them in the right direction, providing three above-average starters in the opening-day rotation and flexibility for the remaining spots. Chicago can explore different scenarios, hoping for Taillon’s resurgence, Assad addressing his home run vulnerability, or Wicks boosting his pitching repertoire. This approach averts the dangerous reliance on all three factors concurrently, setting a more realistic foundation for the team’s performance in April.
Although Drew Smyly remains an emergency starter, his role should be limited. Hayden Wesneski might compete for a rotation spot, but his strengths may be used in the bullpen. Signing Imanaga will also allow top pitching prospects Cade Horton and Ben Brown to improve at their pace, potentially creating an easy problem for the Cubs if they are prepared by mid-year.
Worries about Imanaga’s pitching mechanics, especially his tendency to cut himself off in his landing and spin off his front heel, may exposre him to right-handed hitters. Adjustments like getting more online and utilizing the splitter against right-handers could address this issue. Despite this fear, Shota’s qualities, like his high-spin fastball and effective splitter, place him as a mid-rotation starter with significant upside.
Chicago, which had league-average run prevention last year, lost Stroman but gained Imanaga, potentially strengthening their pitching. But, they still need to get one more impact bat to make up for losing Cody Bellinger. Although free agency is an option, the Cub’s fat farm system aligns them well for possible trades to get the missing offensive piece. If they do get this quality bat, Chicago will become worthy playoff contenders, projecting to record 85-88 wins. The managerial upgrade, paired with enhanced player acquisitions, shows the club’s commitment to competing in the upcoming season.
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