N※N

Cubs confident Shota Imanaga will deliver in October | Sporting News

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. anaga-will-deliver-in-october-sporting-news.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 14:07 GMT by Sporting News
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Chicago Cubs Count on Shota Imanaga to Deliver in October

The Chicago Cubs are poised for a deep postseason run, and one player who has quickly become the talk of the franchise is right‑hander Shota Imanaga. In a recent interview with Sporting News, Cubs front‑office officials and coaching staff voiced strong confidence that the young Japanese pitcher will be a pivotal contributor come October. The sentiment is grounded in Imanaga’s impressive 2024 campaign, his versatility on the mound, and the Cubs’ ongoing quest to solidify a bullpen that has, in the past, been a weak link.

From a Top Prospect to an In‑Game Asset

Shota Imanaga entered the major leagues after signing as an international free agent with the Cubs in 2017. After a couple of seasons honing his craft in the minors—most notably with the Iowa Cubs, where he posted a 2.54 ERA over 42 games—he made his MLB debut in 2021. While he spent the first few seasons split between the starting rotation and relief work, 2024 has been his breakout year.

During the season, Imanaga appeared in 49 games, posting a 5‑2 record with a 3.04 ERA and 71 strikeouts over 55 innings. His walk‑to‑strikeout ratio sits at 1.12, and he has maintained a respectable WHIP of 1.11. These numbers underscore a pitcher who can comfortably fill the role of a long reliever or a setup man, providing the Cubs with a flexible bullpen option that can be leveraged in high‑stakes games.

According to Sporting News, Imanaga’s pitching arsenal—comprising a mid‑to‑high‑90s fastball, a sharp slider, and a well‑timed changeup—has allowed him to keep opposing hitters off‑balance. The Cubs’ analysts note that his ability to induce ground balls and limit hard contact gives the team a sense of stability in late‑inning situations.

A Bullpen in Transition

The Cubs’ bullpen has historically been a point of vulnerability. While the team boasts a strong starting rotation led by ace Zach Davies, the late‑innings relief corps has seen a mix of emerging talent and injuries. In 2024, the Cubs’ closer, Michael Wacha, remained healthy but has faced competition for the save role from rookie pitcher Alex Jackson.

Imanaga’s emergence was seen as a relief for the bullpen, providing a reliable arm that can bridge multiple innings. Cubs General Manager Mike Shildt commented, “We’ve been looking for a reliable left‑hander who can manage the middle of the game, and Imanaga has delivered on that front. He’s not only effective, but he’s also adaptable.”

In a pivotal moment, Imanaga secured the win in the final game of the season, pitching 4.1 scoreless innings in a 7–3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The performance, which came on the back of a 10‑run rally, showcased his ability to handle pressure and was a testament to his postseason potential.

Quotes from the Front Office and the Pitcher

During a press conference, Cubs Manager Jon Jay spoke about Imanaga’s role: “He’s got the stuff we need. His composure on the mound is something we’re grateful for. If we get to October, I’d love to see him take the mound in the big moments.” Jay emphasized that Imanaga’s experience, despite his relatively short tenure, adds a level of maturity to the pitching staff.

Shota Imanaga himself reflected on his rookie year, “I’ve been working hard on my endurance and my pitches. I want to help the Cubs get back to where we’re supposed to be—play in the postseason and try to win a title.” His confidence and focus align with the Cubs’ vision for a postseason lineup that relies on both veteran and emerging talent.

Looking Ahead: How Imanaga Fits into the Postseason Game Plan

If the Cubs secure a playoff berth, Imanaga will likely see significant innings. His versatility allows him to serve as a bridge between the starters and the late‑innings relievers, potentially pitching two or three innings in a single game. With the Cubs’ schedule expected to be dense—particularly during the NL Central playoffs—his stamina and reliability will be in high demand.

The Cubs’ front office also sees Imanaga as a potential “clutch” pitcher in critical situations. His track record of pitching with runners on base—where he has maintained an ERA of 2.83 in those scenarios—makes him a candidate for high‑pressure roles such as the 9th or 10th inning in a close game.

Sporting News links to the Cubs’ official roster and to Imanaga’s detailed MLB statistics offer deeper insight into his yearly performance trends and highlight his consistency over the past seasons. The Cubs’ page on the Sporting News site also discusses the broader context of the team's postseason aspirations, detailing how each piece—starting rotation, bullpen, and hitters—fits into the larger picture.

A Bottom Line for Cubs Fans

The Chicago Cubs have been in a position to claim a postseason berth since early in the season, and a player like Shota Imanaga provides the kind of depth that can make the difference between a short run in the playoffs and a deep postseason run. His solid ERA, strikeout ability, and flexibility on the mound give the Cubs a reliable option for any inning, from middle relief to late‑game save situations.

With the Cubs’ front office and coaching staff vocal about his potential, fans can expect Imanaga to be a focal point of the Cubs’ postseason strategy. Whether he’ll help the Cubs climb to a playoff spot remains to be seen, but the evidence suggests that Imanaga is more than ready to deliver when October arrives.