Shota Imanaga Emerging as the Best Japanese Pitcher in Baseball
The Chicago Cubs may have unearthed a gem in Shota Imanaga, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball, and possibly the best Japanese pitcher at the moment. As the 2025 season gets underway, Imanaga has already turned heads with his stellar performance on the mound, surpassing expectations and proving that he could be the ace the Cubs have long needed.
When the Cubs signed Imanaga before the 2024 season, they were coming off a series of missed opportunities in their pursuit of top-tier talent. They settled for the 31-year-old left-hander from Japan, hoping he would solidify their pitching rotation. What many did not anticipate was that Imanaga would quickly rise to the status of an ace for the Cubs, outperforming the expectations of most analysts.
So far in the 2025 season, Imanaga has been nothing short of dominant. In his first two starts, he has posted a jaw-dropping 0.82 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP, and a remarkable 544 ERA+, signaling just how effective he has been. While heโs not known for overpowering strikeout numbers, averaging only 4.9 K/9, his ability to control the game with pinpoint location is what sets him apart. In 11 innings, he has given up just three hits, a stat that speaks to his exceptional control and effectiveness.
Imanagaโs performance has garnered attention not only for his results but also for his consistency. Many initially doubted that his more moderate velocity and style of pitching would translate well to the MLB. However, after 31 starts, itโs clear that he has adjusted seamlessly, with batters still struggling to make solid contact against him.
Despite Imanagaโs brilliance, there is competition for the title of the best Japanese pitcher in the MLB. Los Angeles Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a strong contender, boasting impressive strikeout numbers and a solid 2.70 ERA through his own early outings. While Yamamoto has the edge in strikeouts and flashier stats, Imanaga holds a slight advantage in more advanced metrics like ERA+ and FIP.
As the season progresses, the conversation could become even more crowded with other high-profile Japanese pitchers, including Shohei Ohtaniโs return to the mound and Roki Sasakiโs upcoming adjustment to MLB. For now, however, itโs safe to say that Shota Imanaga stands as the top Japanese-born pitcher in baseball, and the Cubsโ gamble on him appears to be paying off in a big way.