The Chicago Cubs appear poised to safe a major addition to their roster by reportedly reaching an settlement with NPB left-hander Shota Imanaga on a contract.
Following their near-miss of the playoffs in 2023, this signing marks their second main transfer of the offseason, the primary being the acquisition of supervisor Craig Counsell. This positions them as doubtlessly only one impactful hitter away from solidifying their standing as postseason contenders in 2024.
The sudden departure of Marcus Stroman created a void within the Cubs’ rotation, leaving them with particular starters in Kyle Hendricks, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon (coming off a difficult 12 months).
Rookies Jordan Wicks and swingman Javier Assad current prospects, however counting on each for rotation spots is likely to be unrealistic, jeopardizing the workforce’s competitiveness in 2024.
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How will Imanaga slot in with the Chicago Cubs?
Imanaga’s addition aligns the Cubs in the best course, offering three above-average starters within the opening-day rotation and suppleness for the remaining spots. The Cubs can discover numerous eventualities, hoping for Taillon’s resurgence, Assad addressing his house run vulnerability, or Wicks enhancing his pitching repertoire. This method avoids the precarious reliance on all three components concurrently, setting a extra practical basis for the workforce’s efficiency in April.
Whereas Drew Smyly stays an emergency starter, his function must be restricted. Hayden Wesneski would possibly contend for a rotation spot, however his strengths could also be higher suited to the bullpen. Imanaga’s signing additionally permits prime pitching prospects Cade Horton and Ben Brown to develop at their tempo, doubtlessly creating a nice drawback for the Cubs if they’re prepared by mid-year.
Considerations about Imanaga‘s pitching mechanics, notably his tendency to chop himself off in his touchdown and spin off his entrance heel, could expose him to right-handed hitters. Changes like getting extra on-line and using the splitter towards right-handers may deal with this concern. Regardless of this concern, Imanaga’s attributes, corresponding to his high-spin fastball and efficient splitter, place him as a mid-rotation starter with important upside.
The Cubs, who had league-average run prevention final 12 months, misplaced Stroman however gained Imanaga, doubtlessly strengthening their pitching. Nonetheless, they nonetheless have to safe at the least one influence bat to compensate for the departure of Cody Bellinger. Whereas free company is an possibility, the Cubs’ sturdy farm system positions them properly for potential trades to accumulate the lacking offensive piece. In the event that they reach including a top quality bat, the Cubs may change into credible playoff contenders, projecting to attain 85-88 wins. The managerial improve, coupled with improved participant acquisitions, alerts the Cubs’ dedication to rivalry within the upcoming season.
