In baseball, few pitchers can make hitters question what they see. Enter Shota Imanaga, the Chicago Cubs’ Japanese righty whose mastery is leaving MLB hitters confused. At 5-10 and 175, Imanaga doesn’t look like your typical ace, but his craftiness, precision and movement is unmatched.
How Imanaga Keeps Hitters Guessing?
Imanaga’s secret weapon? A nasty split-finger fastball that makes up 25-35% of his pitches. This pitch drops so hard hitters either swing and miss or hit it on the ground. It’s a pitch that looks hittable—until it isn’t.
According to brooksbaseball.net , Imanaga boasts a full arsenal of pitches:
- Split-finger fastball
- Four-seam fastball
- Sinking fastball
- Curveball
- Slider
He used a cutter earlier in his career but hasn’t used it yet this season. Instead he focuses on changing speeds, eye levels and keeping hitters off balance – a staple of his pitching.
A Master of Consistency
One of the most impressive things about Imanaga is his ability to repeat his delivery with precision. Whether it’s 3-2 or bases loaded, Imanaga sticks to his plan and delivers pitch after pitch with mechanical accuracy. His consistency confuses hitters and minimizes opportunities for men to reach base. Rarely do you see Imanaga pitching from behind or dealing with traffic on the bases.
For example, if a right handed hitter is expecting a pitch inside to hit to their pull side, they may instead get a pitch that starts outside at the knees and dives below their belt. By the time the hitter realizes where the ball is going, it’s too late – they’ve already swung over it.
About Shota Imanaga
Before joining the Cubs, Imanaga spent 8 seasons in Japan’s Eastern League. In his first MLB season, he was one of the top starters in the league. Here’s a snapshot of his rookie year:
- 15-3
- 2.91 ERA
- 1.02 WHIP
- 173.1 IP
- 1.5 BB/9
- 9 K/9
Imanaga allowed 149 hits in 173.1 IP. He was dominant and in control.
Cubs’ Investment in Imanaga Pays Off
The Cubs didn’t hesitate to sign Imanaga long term when they gave him an $80 million deal. His contract has player options for 2026-2027 and a club option for 2028. If all options are exercised, Imanaga could be a Cub through 2028.
They believed in him, and so far, he’s exceeded expectations. Even in his last start on April 15 against the Padres, where he went 5 IP, 93 pitches, and no decision, Imanaga showed why he’s become a staple in the rotation.
Cubs Core Contracts
Imanaga isn’t the only one locked in long term. The Cubs have built around him:
- Dansby Swanson: Signed through 2029 on a 7 year, $177 million deal.
- Seiya Suzuki: Committed until 2027 on a 5 year, $85 million contract.
- Jameson Taillon: Through 2026 on a 4 year, $68 million deal.
And All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker (traded from the Astros) is off to a hot start with the Cubs. As Tucker approaches free agency the front office has a decision to make: extend him or let him walk.
A Bright Future for the Cubs
Thanks to Shota Imanaga, the Cubs are reaping the rewards of having a true ace. His command, control, and movement are baffling hitters night after night. For Cubs fans watching, Imanaga is pure magic—he makes the ball dance, then disappear.
Hitters may see the ball… but once it leaves Imanaga’s hand, good luck hitting it.