The Chicago Cubs were among baseball’s elite last season, but their quiet offseason has raised questions about whether they plan to build on that success. Despite expectations that Chicago would be aggressive on the market, no major additions have been made so far. Still, one potential move could quickly change that narrative and send shockwaves through MLB.
Fansided’s Zachary Rotman has confirmed the Cubs will dramatically upgrade their rotation by pursuing NPB standout Tatsuya Imai, a move that would signal serious intent to contend.
“Picking a favorite for Imai is pretty difficult, especially with a threat like the New York Yankees seemingly not expressing much interest, but the Chicago Cubs make too much sense. The only possible excuse they could have for not spending on Tucker would be to pivot that money to the frontline arm their rotation desperately needs. Yes, Jed Hoyer typically shies away from spending big on pitching, but if the Cubs want to be taken seriously at all, they ought to make a big move. If it isn’t Tucker, Imai makes the most sense,” Rotman wrote.
Imai has built an impressive résumé in Japan. Across eight NPB seasons, he has posted a 58–45 record with a 3.15 ERA, striking out 907 batters while recording a 1.267 WHIP over 963 innings. Those numbers point to a durable, high-end starter who could translate well to MLB.
If the Cubs were to land Imai and pair him with fellow countryman Shota Imanaga, Chicago would boast arguably the strongest one-two rotation punch in the division. That kind of top-end pitching could elevate the team from playoff contender to legitimate threat.
Financially, the move also makes sense. Imai is projected to command a six-year, $157 million contract, a figure that would come in below the cost of retaining Kyle Tucker. For a team seeking rotation help, that investment could deliver greater overall value.
With less than a week to act, going all in on Imai could provide the rotation overhaul the Cubs desperately need and finally turn a quiet offseason into a defining one.