The Chicago Cubs are projected to make a key decision on their pitcher after a bit of a regression in his second year.

On the mound, the Cubs boast strong pitching, ranking 10th in ERA (3.85), with lefty Shota Imanaga (Saturday’s starter) among ...

(AP Photo/Matt Marton) Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton) ...

Imanaga (8-5) allowed three runs on four hits and struck out nine without walking a batter over 6.2 innings, taking the loss versus the Cardinals on Sunday.

If Imanaga starts Game 1, the Cubs could have him back on full rest to start Game 4 if they are facing elimination, as there will be four days between Games 1 and 4. And if they are really desperate, ...

But Imanaga’s signing — for four years and $53 million — with the Cubs two weeks later was done with much less fanfare and hype. Now, Imanaga, 30, whom The Athletic called a “relatively ...

Yet another frustrating loss pushed the Cubs farther back in the NL Central. Time to focus on the Wild Card, perhaps.

Imanaga’s four-seam fastball was down 1.8 mph compared with his season average, dropping as low as 86.8 mph and topping out at 90.8 mph. Imanaga said he felt good and is not dealing with an injury.

The Cubs are in agreement with lefty Shota Imanaga on a 4 yr, $53 million deal, sources tell ESPN. After 2 yrs, the team has the option to extend the contract to $80 million over 5 yrs.

Through eight starts this season, Imanaga posted a 2.82 ERA in 44.2 innings pitched. He's produced 34 strikeouts, while batters have 35 hits and 15 runs off of the ace so far.

Per @JesseRogersESPN Shota Imanaga will start for the Cubs in the series finale against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Thursday afternoon. — David Kaplan (@thekapman) June 23, 2025 ...

Imanaga may lack Ohtani's starpower, Yamamoto's accolades, and Sasaki's intrigue, but that doesn't mean he's some tomato can. Rather, he's a highly accomplished pitcher who scouts have tabbed as a ...