Shota Imanaga’s Contract Looks Like Bargain for Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are reportedly close to signing Japanese free agent Shota Imanaga. The 30-year-old starting pitcher was seeking a $100 million contract this offseason, but it looks like the Cubs are getting a bargain for the lefty.

According to multiple reports, Imanaga’s contract will be complicated, with player and team options included. In terms of guaranteed money, the Cubs might only be spending $15 million a year.

Sources: Shōta Imanaga's deal with the Cubs, once finalized, will be for multiple years with an average annual value in the $15 million range. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 10, 2024

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden and New York Post’s Jon Heyman, both have reported and characterized Imanaga’s deal with the Cubs as “complicated,” but while the terms still have not been made official it seems as though Imanaga will be able to earn up to $80 million, while the starting guarantee is a short, two-year contract worth $30 million.

According to club source #Cubs deal with Imanaga is something close to 2 yrs 30 can grow to 4 yrs 60 and can even reach 80 m with multiple opt outs …deal is Very Complicated. Player/Team Options/Escalators…etc but thats the general ball park agreement

— Jim Bowden⚾️???? (@JimBowdenGM) January 10, 2024

Shota Imanaga Cubs deal is complicated and includes player/team options and escalators that could boost it to way up to $80M. Guarantee suggested to be somewhere around $30M for two years by @JimBowdenGM @jonmorosi 1st said $15M/year

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 10, 2024

So, after seeing speculation that a team would cave in to Imanaga’s demands and fork over a $100 million contract, this deal looks like a steal in comparison. Of course, the Cubs will have to wait and see how much production and how effective Imanaga will be in MLB to actually call it a steal.

In 2023, Imanaga led the NPB in strikeouts with 174, while also having a low walk rate, allowing 24 walks in 148 innings. In 22 starts, the left-hander posted a 2.80 ERA and 1.05 WHIP.