The Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff wasn’t anticipated to falter this season, but the level of talent they’ve amassed has been a pleasant surprise. Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly noted Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga as the league’s ninth-best pitching duo. Imanaga, a 30-year-old rookie, has been a standout performer with an impressive 0.78 ERA in his initial six starts, ranking among the top in WHIP and FIP. His consistent improvement bodes well for the team’s rotation moving forward.
Steele, although sidelined by injury after his first appearance in 2024, gained acclaim following his stellar 2023 All-Star campaign. The 28-year-old excelled last season, featuring in the top ten for various pitching metrics, showcasing immense promise upon his return from injury.
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The pairing of Imanaga and Steele was initially seen as a best-case scenario for Chicago when they acquired the two-time NPB All-Star. However, this partnership is swiftly turning into reality, promising an exhilarating future for Cubs baseball. Their potential as an elite duo is set to make the Cubs’ games a must-watch over the coming seasons.
Despite a stumble from Kyle Hendricks, the Cubs’ starting rotation has performed admirably, currently ranking seventh in MLB for ERA. Their solid pitching has been instrumental in their strong start to the season, placing them just one game behind Milwaukee and firmly in contention for a Wild Card spot.
