Cubs President Hoyer Emphasizes Imanaga's Value, Pledges to Enhance Rotation and Bullpen.
Shota Imanaga's decision to accept the Cubs' $22.025 million qualifying offer for next season was a positive development for the team, according to Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. "Clearly, we wouldn't have offered it if we weren't excited to have him back and if we were going to be handcuffed by it," Hoyer said.
The move gives the Cubs clarity on their rotation, as Imanaga is a key part of that unit. His performance last season was inconsistent, with his ERA ballooning to 4.39 after a hamstring injury affected his mechanics. However, Hoyer believes Imanaga's true potential lies in his ability to throw a dominant fastball.
"We're definitely getting a super-motivated pitcher back," Hoyer said. "He didn't like the way the season ended." The team is confident that their offseason plan for Imanaga can help address issues with his mechanics and production.
The Cubs are also focused on bolstering their bullpen, rotation, and bench during the offseason. With Imanaga in place, they can start to focus on other needs. Hoyer expressed optimism about the quality of players available from Japan this offseason, citing Tatsuya Imai and Munetaka Murakami as examples.
Meanwhile, left-hander Matthew Boyd will need to adjust his schedule due to his commitment to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs had a similar experience last year with Boyd, who ramped up early for their exhibition game against Japan before posting a strong 3.21 ERA during the season.
Shota Imanaga's decision to accept the Cubs' $22.025 million qualifying offer for next season was a positive development for the team, according to Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. "Clearly, we wouldn't have offered it if we weren't excited to have him back and if we were going to be handcuffed by it," Hoyer said.
The move gives the Cubs clarity on their rotation, as Imanaga is a key part of that unit. His performance last season was inconsistent, with his ERA ballooning to 4.39 after a hamstring injury affected his mechanics. However, Hoyer believes Imanaga's true potential lies in his ability to throw a dominant fastball.
"We're definitely getting a super-motivated pitcher back," Hoyer said. "He didn't like the way the season ended." The team is confident that their offseason plan for Imanaga can help address issues with his mechanics and production.
The Cubs are also focused on bolstering their bullpen, rotation, and bench during the offseason. With Imanaga in place, they can start to focus on other needs. Hoyer expressed optimism about the quality of players available from Japan this offseason, citing Tatsuya Imai and Munetaka Murakami as examples.
Meanwhile, left-hander Matthew Boyd will need to adjust his schedule due to his commitment to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. The Cubs had a similar experience last year with Boyd, who ramped up early for their exhibition game against Japan before posting a strong 3.21 ERA during the season.
i think hoyer's plan to enhance the rotation and bullpen is gonna pay off big time. it's not just about having a good pitcher, but being able to make smart moves and adapt. and now that imanaga's in place, they can focus on other needs too... maybe some new blood from japan? 
. btw, any1 else hyped 4 team usa's baseball classic? 
I MEAN, JOE HOYER SAYS HE'S A KEY PART OF THEIR ROTATION AND I CAN SEE WHY - THE GUY'S GOT SOME SERIOUS FASTBALL POTENTIAL!!! 
I'M NOT BUYING INTO THE WHOLE "HE WAS INCONSISTENT LAST SEASON" THING THOUGH... I THINK THAT JUST MEANS HE WAS WORKING ON HIS STUFF OVER WINTER AND IS READY TO TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL NOW! 
. And I'm loving the fact that he's bringing in fresh talent from Japan this offseason, can't wait to see what Tatsuya Imai and Munetaka Murakami bring to the table 
. Plus, Imanaga's hunger for revenge after last season is all the motivation we need 
. Matthew Boyd's gotta bring his A-game too, especially with Team USA on the horizon 
So I think the real question is why Shota Imanaga didn't leave in free agency? Like, he's making $22 million, which is a decent chunk of change, but for him to choose to stay with the Cubs and not test the market seems kinda weird 
. Was it just because they offered him the highest contract or was there something else going on behind the scenes?
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I mean, Shota Imanaga's back and that's gotta count for something, right? His ERA was a bit of a mess last season, but hey, we can just blame it on his hamstring injury 
. Hoyer's all smiles about Imanaga's dominant fastball potential... yeah sure, buddy 
. And what's with the Tatsuya Imai and Munetaka Murakami hype? Are they gonna be the new Japanese imports that make the Cubs a powerhouse again? 
! He's got some amazing skills, and Hoyer is totally on point with his plan to help him iron out those mechanics issues 
. With guys like Tatsuya Imai and Munetaka Murakami potentially coming over from Japan, it's gonna be huge 
. Bring on the 2025 Cubs season! 
... i mean, having imanaga back is def a plus, but it's also clear they're aware of his flaws and willing to make changes to help him shine on the mound 
and i love how the cubs are focusing on other needs now that they've got him locked down. tatsuya imai and munetaka murakami sound fire 
and they r willing to invest big ($22m) to keep him around, so like literally, they're all in on making him a top pitcher again 
. Hoyer seems confident that he can get Imanaga back 2 form, esp since he's apparently super motivated 2 fix his mechanics 
. now, it's like, Cubs r all about rebuildin & bolsterin their roster, and wot do they got in store for Japan ball players? 
. on a side note tho... Boyd gotta deal w/ Team USA commitments rn 
, kinda like last yr when he 4got about their exhibition game lol 