This story was excerpted from Jordan Bastian’s Cubs Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it usually in your inbox.
CHICAGO — The Cubs have had loads of standout rookies all through the franchise’s storied historical past, however none garnered even a single vote in balloting for a Cy Younger Award. That modified with lefty Shota Imanaga’s spectacular efficiency this previous season.
Together with his fifth-place end for the Nationwide League Cy Younger Award on Wednesday, Imanaga turned the primary rookie in Cubs historical past listed among the many vote-getters for an accolade that dates again to 1956. And Imanaga was named on 16 of 30 ballots, receiving votes for third (seven), fourth (eight) and fifth place (one) for his first tour within the Majors after his profession in Japan.
“You consider a man coming over right here,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer mentioned on the finish of final season, “you assume that there’s going to be transition points that result in inconsistency, or possibly a sluggish begin or fatigue on the finish. The totality of what he’s accomplished is definitely, to me, in all probability probably the most stunning factor.
“He’s had consistency. He didn’t have transition points. He handled all these issues exceptionally nicely.”
Braves lefty Chris Sale gained the NL Cy Younger Award, with Zack Wheeler of the Phillies, Paul Skenes of the Pirates, Dylan Stop of the Padres and Imanaga rounding out the highest 5 finishers for the league’s high pitching honor. Imanaga additionally positioned fourth in voting for the NL Rookie of the Yr, which went to Skenes for his electrical debut season in Pittsburgh.
Throughout 29 begins for the North Siders, Imanaga completed 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 174 strikeouts, in comparison with simply 28 walks, in 173 1/3 innings. His 6.2 strikeout-to-walk ratio and 80.2% left-on-base charge led the NL. Imanaga additionally completed second and fourth, respectively, amongst certified pitchers within the NL in stroll charge (4.0%) and strikeout-minus-walk charge (21.0%).
The Cubs went 23-6 in Imanaga’s begins and he was part of six shutouts. That included on Sept. 4, when his seven innings started a mixed no-hitter towards the Pirates. That marked the primary no-no for the Cubs at Wrigley Subject since 1972. He additionally logged a record-low ERA (0.84) for a pitcher’s first 9 profession begins (excluding openers since 1913).
“He’s a learner. He needs to get higher. He’s curious,” Cubs supervisor Craig Counsell mentioned throughout final season. “And all these issues hold him transferring ahead, get him previous the powerful moments. And he needs extra.”
