Shota Imanaga Named to 2024 NL All-Star Team

Although the Chicago Cubs remain in the basement of the NL Central standings and could be sellers at the trade deadline, there is good news as the 2024 MLB schedule hits the All-Star break. On Sunday, the NL and AL All-Star reserves and pitchers were named. For the first time in his MLB career, LHP Shota Imanaga has been named a National League All-Star.

Imanaga has been stellar since joining the Cubs this season. In 16 starts, Imanaga owns a 3.16 ERA. He’s also racked up 92 strikeouts compared to just 15 walks in 91.0 innings of work.

Imanaga signed with the Cubs in the offseason after both sides agreed to a four-year, $53 million deal. Early in the season, Imanaga was nearly untouchable, pitching to ERAs of 0.98 and 2.67 in April and May, respectively. However, Imanaga’s 5.67 ERA in June has ballooned his overall totals.

Regardless of the recent struggles, Imanaga is very much deserving of the All-Star nod. Imanaga’s response was short, but perfectly to the point.

"When I was chosen it made me very happy," said Imanaga.

With the selection, Imanaga has also joined a short list of Japanese pitchers to make an All-Star team as a rookie. Shota is the sixth such pitcher to join the elite group.

The MLB All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. CT from Arlington, TX.

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