Chicago Cubs' Ace Creates Viral Post Hyping Up Their Star Offseason Acquisition
Shota Imanaga hasn't even been with the Chicago Cubs for a full month, but the Japanese sensation is already turning heads in the early days of spring training.
All pitchers and catchers will report to Cubs camp by next Wednesday, but some players have already arrived in Mesa, Arizona.
According to Cubs starting pitcher Justin Steele, the 30 year-old rookie and two-time NPB All-Star threw a bullpen session Wednesday, and Steele was quite impressed.
Steele took to X (formerly Twitter) to share some thoughts on his first time watching Imanaga throw.
"I watched Shota Imanaga throw a bullpen today.. I’m on eBay now looking for cards," Steele posted. "Guy is filthy."
Less than 15 minutes later, Major League Baseball's official Twitter account quote-tweeted Steele's post, adding an eyes emoji.
The popular baseball podcast Talkin Baseball (from Jomboy Media) responded to Steele's post shortly after.
Without question, the price of Imanaga's baseball cards will likely see a boost in the coming days, thanks to Steele's endorsement.
Steele emerged as Chicago's ace in 2023, making a serious run at the National League Cy Young Award. He finished fifth in voting after posting a 16-5 record and 3.06 ERA across 173 1/3 innings pitched over 30 starts on the season.
The Cubs signed Imanaga to a four-year, $53 million deal on Jan. 11.
He is a shoo-in for a spot in the starting pitching rotation, along with Steele, Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon. It appears that Javier Assad and rookie Jordan Wicks will compete for the fifth and final spot in the club's pitching rotation.
