Chicago Cubs agree to contract with Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga, AP source says
The Chicago Cubs have bolstered their rotation, agreeing to a contract with left-hander Shōta Imanaga in their first major offseason roster move
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs bolstered their rotation Tuesday, agreeing to a contract with Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga in their first major offseason roster move.
A person familiar with the agreement confirmed it to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it was pending a physical. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.
The 30-year-old Imanaga, who got the win for Japan in last year’s World Baseball Classic final against the United States, has until 5 p.m. EST on Thursday to reach an agreement with a major league team.
Chicago had been quiet since it hired Craig Counsell as manager in November, replacing David Ross in a surprise move. The Cubs were in position for an NL wild card last year before stumbling in September, fading to an 83-79 record after finishing under .500 in the previous two seasons.
