During the offseason, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers was one in every of MLB’s most high-profile actions, alongside Shohei Ohtani’s mind-blowing contract with the staff; with the Japanese wave coming to the Majors, Shota Imanaga’s signing with the Chicago Cubs went a little bit below the radar.
Nonetheless, for many who have been following his profession, this transfer was not shocking. Imanaga, a standout participant within the Nippon Skilled Baseball league, has been making waves together with his distinctive pitching expertise, and his signing with the Cubs was a testomony to his expertise and potential.
A feat not seen since Fernando Valenzuela
Nonetheless, one month into the common season, Imanaga has been arguably the most effective pitcher within the league to this point: He leads MLB in ERA (0.78), wins (5), ERA+ (547), and FIP (2.21), reaching a stage not seen in a rookie pitcher since Fernando Valenzuela.
Imanaga’s 0.78 ERA isn’t just spectacular; it is a record-breaker. It is the lowest by way of a pitcher’s first six profession begins within the Main Leagues because the iconic Fernando Valenzuela rookie season in 1981, as he had a 0.33 ERA, the bottom since Integration.
Shota Imanaga signed a two-year deal value $22.5 million, with a staff choice for 3 extra years with the Chicago Cubs.
