Shota Imanaga

Shota Imanaga followed up a brilliant 2024 debut (2.91 ERA, 25.1% K rate, 4.0% BB rate) with a more volatile 2025 campaign, as his ERA climbed to 3.73 and his strikeout rate dipped to 20.6%. While he continued to limit walks at an elite clip (4.6% BB%) and suppress batting average (.218 BAA), a spike in home run rate (5.5% HR%) and hard-hit contact (43.9%) led to a sharp jump in FIP (4.86). The batted-ball profile shift — fewer ground balls (29.1%) and more fly balls (39.7%) — suggests his margin for error narrowed considerably compared to 2024. Fantasy managers should view Imanaga as a mild faller entering 2026 drafts, though his strong command and projected workload stability keep him firmly in SP2 territory if the homer regression stabilizes.

Shota Imanaga working on pitch repertoire

Shota Imanaga worked with Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy on refining his mechanics during the offseason and will focus on adjusting his pitch mix throughout spring training.

Fantasy Impact

Imanaga posted a 2.65 ERA in the first half of the 2025 season but struggled mightily after the break, logging a 4.70 ERA in the second half. During offseason work with Hottovy, Imanaga focused on cleaning up his mechanics and strengthening his lower half. This spring, he is working on refining a sweeper from his “natural arm slot” while reintroducing his cutter and experimenting with a sinker grip that allows him to maintain velocity. Imanaga also elected not to pitch for Team Japan national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic, opting instead to dedicate camp to those adjustments and rebound from a difficult second half in 2025.