This past off-season, the Chicago Cubs signed free-agent Japanese pitcher Shōta Imanaga. It was a 4-year, $53 million contract. There were many question marks entering the season for Shōta Imanaga. The main one being how will he adjust to major league hitting. Well, Imanaga has certainly answered all those questions and is exceeding expectations.
There’s no question that what Shōta Imanaga is doing at the MLB level is absolutely absurd. Here is a stat that is even crazier.
Lowest ERA in first 6 starts since 1947 (min. 34 IP):
Tom Candiotti 0.76
Shota Imanaga 0.78
Steve Rogers 0.88
Zach Duke 0.92
(Per, Marc Weber on X.)
The Cubs are also off to a good start. Shōta Imanaga is a big reason why. It’s no small sample size anymore, Shōta Imanaga is legit. In a total of 6 starts and 34.2 IP, Imanaga has a 5-0 record, 0.78 ERA, 35 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 0.75. Those are crazy stats, especially as a rookie in the MLB.
Obviously it’s unknown if Shōta Imanaga can continue his amazing start. Either way, Shōta Imanaga is impressing many people. It’s expected that Shōta Imanaga will receive some Rookie of the Year votes at the end of the season, or maybe even some Cy Young votes.