(Chicago) The Chicago Cubs improved their rotation on Tuesday by signing Japanese pitcher Shota Imanaga.
A person familiar with the matter confirmed the deal to The Associated Press, requesting anonymity because the contract is conditional on a medical exam.
Aged 30, Imanaga won the World Baseball Classic final against the United States last year. He had until 5 p.m. Thursday to reach an agreement with a major baseball club.
Imanaga was 7-4 with a 2.80 ERA in 22 starts last season with the Yokohama BayStars, Japan. He struck out 174 batters and allowed just 24 walks in 148 innings. In his career, he boasts a 64-50 record and a 3.18 ERA in eight seasons with the club.
He was considered the second best pitcher to play in Japan on the market after Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who agreed to a 12-year, $325 million pact with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cubs have been quiet since hiring Craig Counsell as manager in November to replace David Ross. The Illinois team was in the playoff race through September, going 83-79 after two straight seasons below .500.
Imanaga arrives after the departure of Marcus Stroman, who became a free agent. The Cubs also have left-hander Justin Steele as well as right-handers Kyle Hendricks and Jameson Taillon.