Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs stood on the pitcher’s mound during a recent bullpen session. Even in that setting he did not look like an emerging star. He does not throw 100 mph (160 kph). He does not tower over opponents.
No one expected Imanaga to be this good, this fast. Not even the Cubs, who believed in him more than most. The organization began compiling an Imanaga scouting database in 2018. But when the Japanese pitcher became available last winter, the Cubs did not jump out early and seize the negotiations. Even Imanaga understood his transition would be challenging.
Yet, he has become one of MLB’s most valuable players so far this season. Thirteen starts into a four-year, $53 million contract, he has a 1.89 ERA. On Saturday, he allowed an earned run over seven innings against the St. Louis Cardinals, improving his record to 7-1.