Shota Imanaga “surprised the football world” Was it a “massive salary increase” from 7.8 billion yen in 4 years to 11.8 billion yen in 5 years…Previous credit turned |

US transfer info site praises…Imanaga, 15-game winner, “surprised basketball world”

Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga has 15 wins and 3 losses and a 2.91 ERA in 29 pitches this season, his first year in the major leagues. He had good results, ranking third in the league in both wins and ERA. Trade Rumors, the largest transfer information site in the United States, praised him, saying, “He shocked the baseball world.” It is expected that the Cubs will likely exercise their team option and commit the full contract, which is $80 million (about 11.8 billion yen).

The left-hander, who turned 31 on Sept. 30, will be transferred from DeNA to the Cubs using the posting system during the 2023 offseason. He pitched 173 1/3 innings and had 174 strikeouts. He held a place in the starting circuit for one year. The site said the pitcher, who was considered a third or fourth starter, “surprised the baseball world by producing results that resembled first-class players.”

It was revealed that he was considered past his prime due to his age of 31 this year, and there were many doubts in last year’s off season. He says that this was also reflected in the terms of the contract. According to US media, Imanaga’s contract is for 4 years and 53 million dollars (about 7.8 billion yen), with up to 5 years and 80 million dollars (about 11.8 billion yen). If the Cubs exercise the option after the 2025 or 2026 season, it will be a five-year, $80 million deal. If the team does not exercise the option, Imanaga will be eligible to become a free agent. There are four ways to become a free agent: after the second year, after the third year, after the four-year contract expires, and after the five-year contract expires.

The article describes him as a “great second-choice starter” next year, behind ace pitcher Justin Steele. If they make the playoffs, it emphasizes, “They shouldn’t I don’t have to worry about starting.”

Imanaga defied expectations and achieved great results in his first year in the major leagues. The ability to obtain a “full price response” in contracts has increased dramatically.

(Full Account Editorial Department)