"His 3.73 ERA was more than a full point lower than his 4.86 FIP, indicating that Imanaga may have had some luck on his side throughout the year. His 4.6% walk rate was among the best in baseball, but he gave up a staggering 31 home runs in just 144.2 innings."
"In 2025, however, the velocity was down a tick to under 92 mph and he generated less right with slightly more arm-side movement. That decreased deception sent opponents' slugging skyrocketing to .567, a jump of nearly 100 points."
"In eight games before the injury, Imanaga had a 2.82 ERA and 1.41 home runs allowed per nine innings. After returning to the team in late June, that ERA jumped to 4.14 and he allowed an unacceptable 2.16 HR/9."
Shōta Imanaga faced significant challenges in his 2025 sophomore MLB season after an impressive 2024 rookie campaign. His fastball velocity decreased slightly to under 92 mph while generating less ride and more arm-side movement, reducing its deceptive qualities. This decline in his primary pitch led to opponents' slugging percentage jumping nearly 100 points to .567, and he surrendered 31 home runs in 144.2 innings. A hamstring injury sidelined him for nearly two months mid-season, and his performance deteriorated after returning, with his ERA rising from 2.82 pre-injury to 4.14 post-injury. Early spring training appearances have provided optimism for the 2026 season.
Read at Cubsinsider
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