Shōta Imanaga, the talented left-handed pitcher from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), has been the subject of increasing attention in recent days as he faces a deadline to sign a contract with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team by Thursday.

Initially, the Los Angeles Dodgers showed interest in signing Imanaga, but their pursuit faded after securing deals with Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The San Francisco Giants emerged as the frontrunners in the market, but other teams such as the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox, as well as a few mystery teams, remained in contention.

However, as Imanaga narrowed down his options, it seems he has made a decision. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Imanaga is set to sign with the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have been actively searching for starting pitchers throughout the offseason, and their pursuit of Imanaga aligns with their efforts to bolster their rotation.

Initially projected to command a contract around $75 million, Imanaga’s value has reportedly increased, with some speculating that he could sign for $100 million. In addition to the salary, the Cubs will owe a posting fee to the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, Imanaga’s former team in Japan.

Imanaga showcased his skills during his final season with the BayStars, posting impressive numbers including a 2.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 174 strikeouts in 148 innings pitched. He excels at limiting walks, averaging just 1.5 free passes per nine innings pitched, and relies on precise command and movement rather than overpowering stuff.

Notably, Imanaga also represented Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, starting in the Gold Medal Game against the United States and contributing to Japan’s championship victory.

With Imanaga now off the market, the focus for teams will likely shift to other available pitchers, such as Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, who are among the top remaining free agents. The relief pitcher market is also expected to gain momentum, with notable names like Josh Hader, Robert Stephenson, and Jordan Hicks drawing interest.

Beyond free agency, trade discussions involving pitchers like Dylan Cease and Corbin Burnes may intensify, while the Miami Marlins could explore moving some of their starting pitchers in exchange for offensive help. The post-Imanaga signing landscape presents intriguing possibilities for teams looking to strengthen their pitching staffs and make impactful moves in the coming weeks.