Screengrap via @setupmanpod video

Shōta Imanaga Showcases Filthy Fastball/Breaking Ball Combo in Live BP

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanFebruary 21, 2024

We’ve already heard about how Shōta Imanaga is the real deal with the “complete package,” but Wednesday brought a little proof from something other than word of mouth. Several reporters were on hand to capture a live BP session during which he showcased his trademark fastball with elite carry and a sweeping breaking ball to strike out countryman Seiya Suzuki.

“We talked about it beforehand that we’ll face [each other], and I told him I was gonna throw a fastball only,” Imanaga told CHGO’s Ryan Herrera via his interpreter. “But once he gets out there, he looks bigger, and I don’t wanna lose to him. So, I lied to him. I threw a breaking ball, too.”

Look at the smile on his face after he back-foots Suzuki. This is the content I crave.

It’s a good thing the pair already posed for Picture Day or they might not have been so buddy-buddy. Speaking of which, the image of the two of them from earlier in the week provides evidence that the Cubs are going to be selling ad patches on the sleeves of their Nike jerseys that already look like cheap knockoffs. I think the knockoffs might actually be higher quality at this point.

Anyway, back to that Imanga filth. Up first is a cropped and slowed version that provides a great look at its atypical shape.

Now we get an overlay of the heater and breaking ball so you can see just how tough it is to hit against him when his stuff is working. This guy has given up his share of dingers in the past and could be prone to that in MLB, but he’s going to be a ton of fun to watch when he’s on.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanFebruary 21, 2024
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