Shota Imanaga

Player Information

Shōta Imanaga (今永 昇太, Imanaga Shōta; born September 1, 1993), nicknamed "The Throwing Philosopher", is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher for the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 2016 to 2023. A two-time NPB All-Star, Imanaga led the Central League in strikeouts in 2023 before signing with the Cubs. He has gained recognition for his precise pitching style and has cultivated a passionate fan base.
Full Name :
Shota Imanaga
Birthdate :
1 September 1993
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
178
Weight (kg) :
79
Nationality :
Japanese
Career Started :
2016
Notable Achievements :
NPB All-Star (2019, 2023), Central League strikeout champion (2023), Pitched a no-hitter (2022)
Current Team :
Chicago Cubs
Previous Teams :
Yokohama DeNA BayStars (From 2016, To 2023)
Drafted :
2015
Drafted by :
Yokohama DeNA BayStars
Active Status :
From - 2016, To - Present
Contract :
Contract Year 2024 to 2028, Salary $53,000,000 USD

Biography

Shota Imanaga is a professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) with a strong background in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and the Australian Baseball League. His impressive career includes a 2.89 ERA and over 1,000 strikeouts. With a current contract worth $53 million and a net worth estimated at $40 million, Imanaga balances family life and a demanding career. His success on the mound positions him as a notable player in the league. More insights on his expedition await.

Early Life

Shota Imanaga developed a passion for baseball at a young age, which led him to pursue the sport throughout his childhood.

As he advanced through school, his talent became increasingly apparent, leading him to play in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).

Imanaga’s dedication and hard work during his formative years laid a solid foundation for his professional career.

Remarkably, he demonstrated his skills on an international stage in the Australian Baseball League after the 2018-2019 season, further highlighting his potential and ambition in the sport.

Family Life

Shota Imanaga values his family life, although specific details about his family members are not publicly available.

While he prefers to keep his personal life private, it is known that he has a supportive family that has likely played a noteworthy role in his athletic success.

As he begins his professional adventure with the Chicago Cubs, Imanaga works to maintain a balance between his family life and the demands of his MLB career.

Career

Shota Imanaga is a professional baseball pitcher who has made a notable impact in Major League Baseball (MLB) since his debut.

With a career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 4.2 and an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 2.89 over 218 innings pitched, he has illustrated impressive performance metrics.

Imanaga takes pride in a strong strikeout rate of 23.8% paired with a low walk rate of 4.8%, highlighting his effectiveness on the mound.

In the 2025 season, he achieved a 1.2 WAR and posted a 2.82 ERA, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled pitcher.

Net Worth

Shota Imanaga’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million, largely driven by his $53 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, which includes a $1 million signing bonus, performance bonuses, and endorsements.

As of the 2025 season, Imanaga’s current salary is $13 million. His previous salaries in Major League Baseball include $10 million for the 2024 season, $10 million for the 2023 season, $10 million for the 2022 season, and $10 million for the 2021 season.

His impressive career ERA of 2.89 and 1,022 strikeouts further bolster his market value, reflecting his successful tenure in the league.