In addition to his skillful left-handed pitching, Shota Imanaga has emerged as one of Major League Baseball’s most intriguing personalities due to his distinct charm and intelligence. After a stellar career with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan, Imanaga, also known as “The Throwing Philosopher,” joined the Chicago Cubs. He has rapidly become a favorite among fans in both Japan and the United States thanks to his wit, sense of humor, and careful approach to the game.

Fans are interested in everything from his family and background to his viral nicknames and his huge MLB contract, in addition to his baseball prowess.

Shota Imanaga’s Contract, Salary & Net Worth

Shota Imanaga signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in January 2024, including a $1 million signing bonus and full guarantees. His deal also includes multiple club options and potential escalators that can extend its total value to $80 million.

In 2025, Imanaga earns a base salary of $13.25 million with a total payroll salary of $13.5 million, placing him among the highest-paid international pitchers in MLB. His average annual salary is $13.25 million, and his career earnings have already surpassed $23 million.

Before joining the Cubs, Imanaga spent eight seasons with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he was a two-time All-Star, a Central League strikeout champion, and pitched a no-hitter in 2022. His success in Japan, combined with his immediate impact in MLB, has established his net worth at approximately $25–30 million as of 2025.

Shota Imanaga’s Ethnicity, Parents & Family Background

Born on September 1, 1993, in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, Shota Imanaga is Japanese by nationality and Asian by ethnicity. He comes from an educated and musically inclined family that has long supported his ambitions.

His father, Takashi Imanaga, graduated from Hiroshima University and served as a physical education teacher and school principal in Kitakyushu. Takashi discovered a love for motorcycles after retiring, and he currently works as a youth mentor for the local education board.

Kyoko Imanaga, Imanaga’s mother, is a music teacher at a junior high school and a vocal music student at an arts university in Oita Prefecture. She also has an athletic background, as she played competitive volleyball as a child.

He was raised with an older sister who works for Mitsubishi Electric and an older brother who is currently a teacher in an elementary school. 

Shota Imanaga’s Nickname: “Mike Imanaga II” and “The Throwing Philosopher”

Imanaga’s intellect and playful humor have earned him some of the most memorable nicknames in baseball.

He is affectionately called “The Throwing Philosopher” for his introspective nature and thoughtful approach to pitching. Known for analyzing his craft deeply, he once described pitching as both “a science and an art,” endearing him to fans and analysts alike.

But his second nickname, “Mike Imanaga II,” emerged from a more lighthearted story. When ordering coffee at Starbucks and Dunkin’, baristas often struggled to pronounce his first name, so he began using “Mike” instead. The “II,” he explained with a smile, “just sounds cool.”

Inside the Cubs clubhouse, his locker even bore a nameplate reading “Mike Imanaga II,” a testament to his quirky sense of humor and humility that has made him a fan favorite across Chicago.

Shota Imanaga’s Wife: Is He Married?

As of 2025, Shota Imanaga is not publicly known to be married. There have been no official reports or confirmations about a wife or romantic partner. He keeps his personal life extremely private and prefers to focus on his career and connection with fans.

While many athletes share glimpses of their personal lives, Imanaga tends to keep the spotlight on baseball and his offbeat charm. His social presence mainly revolves around his Cubs journey, his teammates, and moments that reflect his thoughtful, grounded personality.

Fans continue to speculate about his relationship status, but until Imanaga addresses it himself, it’s safe to say that the Cubs ace remains single and fully devoted to his game.

Shota Imanaga’s Baseball Journey: From Japan to MLB

Shota Imanaga’s professional career began when he was selected in the first round of the 2015 NPB Draft by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars after graduating from Komazawa University. Over eight seasons in Japan, he became one of the most accomplished pitchers in the league, recording a 64–50 record with a 3.18 ERA and 1,021 strikeouts.

In 2022, he threw a no-hitter against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters — one of the highlights of his NPB career. He also helped Team Japan win gold at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and the 2019 WBSC Premier12, cementing his reputation as a global star.

In December 2023, the BayStars officially posted Imanaga to MLB, and the Chicago Cubs won the bidding. He made his MLB debut on April 1, 2024, against the Colorado Rockies, striking out nine batters over six scoreless innings. His rookie year was sensational — finishing with a 15–3 record, 2.91 ERA, and 174 strikeouts, earning him an All-Star selection and a top-five finish in Cy Young voting.

By 2025, Imanaga had established himself as the Cubs’ ace, delivering precision and poise reminiscent of his days in Japan. His consistency, calm demeanor, and sense of humor have made him one of MLB’s most respected and beloved international players.

Conclusion

From the baseball fields of Kitakyushu to the bright lights of Wrigley Field, Shota Imanaga’s journey is a blend of discipline, intelligence, and charisma. His unique nicknames — “The Throwing Philosopher” and “Mike Imanaga II” — capture both sides of his personality: the thinker and the entertainer.

Backed by a multi-million-dollar contract, a humble family background, and an ever-growing legacy in MLB, Imanaga continues to inspire fans worldwide. Whether striking out batters or charming baristas, Shota Imanaga represents the perfect fusion of talent, intellect, and authenticity — proving that baseball greatness can come with both power and philosophy.