Shota Imanaga made history in 2024 by becoming the first rookie in Chicago Cubs history to receive a vote for the Cy Young Award. His remarkable performance during his first Major League season earned him a fifth-place finish in the National League Cy Young voting. Imanaga, a left-handed pitcher, received votes from 16 of 30 voters, with rankings including third, fourth, and fifth place. His success was particularly notable considering his transition from Japan, where he had a standout career, to the Major Leagues.
Cubs president of baseball operations, Jed Hoyer, praised Imanaga for his impressive consistency, which defied expectations. Many anticipated that a rookie making the jump from Japan might face transition issues, including a slow start or fatigue. However, Imanaga’s ability to avoid these pitfalls and perform at a high level throughout the season was a significant surprise. His steady development and avoidance of common rookie struggles were a testament to his professionalism and skill.
Imanaga’s statistics were stellar in his 29 starts for the Cubs. He posted a 15-3 record with a 2.91 ERA, accumulating 174 strikeouts in 173 1/3 innings. His control was exceptional, with only 28 walks, resulting in a 6.2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. This ranked him first in the NL for left-on-base rate (80.2%) and second in walk rate (4.0%). Imanaga’s strikeout-minus-walk rate of 21.0% also placed him fourth in the NL, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Beyond his individual statistics, Imanaga contributed significantly to the Cubs’ success as a team. The Cubs posted a remarkable 23-6 record in games he started. He was also a key part of six shutouts, including a combined no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 4. This no-hitter was historic as it was the first at Wrigley Field since 1972, further cementing Imanaga’s place in Cubs history.
Imanaga’s manager, Craig Counsell, highlighted his relentless drive to improve and his ability to overcome adversity. Imanaga’s curiosity and desire to learn were seen as key factors in his successful transition to the Major Leagues. His ability to consistently improve, even after facing challenges, demonstrated his potential to be a cornerstone of the Cubs’ pitching staff for years to come.
