AP Source: Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga agrees to deal with Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs bolstered their rotation Tuesday, agreeing to a contract with Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga of their first main low season roster transfer.
An individual conversant in the settlement confirmed it to The Associated Press on situation of anonymity as a result of it was pending a bodily. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.
The 30-year-old Imanaga, who received the win for Japan in final 12 months’s World Baseball Classic closing in opposition to the United States, had till 5 p.m. EST on Thursday to achieve an settlement with a serious league staff.
Chicago had been quiet because it employed Craig Counsell as supervisor in November, changing David Ross in a shock transfer. The Cubs had been in place for an NL wild card final 12 months earlier than stumbling in September, fading to an 83-79 document after ending below .500 within the earlier two seasons.
Imanaga offers Chicago a substitute for Marcus Stroman, who turned a free agent after opting out of his contract. The Cubs even have lefty Justin Steele and right-handers Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon penciled into their rotation.
Cody Bellinger is a free agent after a resurgent season in Chicago, and the Cubs are hoping to re-sign the slugger. They additionally might add a nook infielder or two earlier than spring coaching begins subsequent month.
Imanaga was 7-4 with a 2.80 ERA in 22 begins this 12 months for the Yokohama BayStars of Japan’s Central League. He struck out 174 and walked 24 in 148 innings.
Imanaga, recognizable for throwback-style excessive socks, was thought to be the second distinguished Japanese pitcher on the free agent market after 25-year-old right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who finalized a $325 million, 12-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers final month.
Imanaga was 64-50 with a 3.18 ERA in eight seasons with Yokohama, hanging out 1,021 and strolling 280 in 1,002 2/3 innings.
His fastball averaged 93.5 mph within the WBC closing, when he allowed one run and 4 hits in two innings, giving up a house run to Trea Turner.
Under the MLB-NPB settlement, the posting charge will likely be 20% of the primary $25 million of a serious league contract, together with earned bonuses and choices. The share drops to 17.5% of the following $25 million and 15% of any quantity over $50 million. There could be a supplemental charge of 15% of any earned bonuses, wage escalators and exercised choices.
