The Chicago Cubs had two players named as one of the top rookies from last season.
The Chicago Cubs had a mediocre season last year finishing 83-79 tying the St. Louis Cardinals for second place behind the Milwaukee Brewers. In that mediocrity stood out two rookies Shota Imanaga and Michael Busch, who figure to be a part of the Chicago Cubs success this season, named top rookies for 2024.
Shota Imanaga in 2024
It’s no surprise the 30-year-old Japanese sensation Shota Imanaga was amongst the best rookies for 2024. In his first full season in Major League Baseball after coming over from the NPB Imanaga dominated. Making 29 starts with a record of 15-3 with a ERA of 2.91 with 174 strikeouts in 173.1 innings pitched.
Being named an All-Star for his efforts as well as finishing in the top five for both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards, Imanaga figures to take another step forward this season.
Looking at the 5’10” left-handers Baseball Savant page he could go into finish this year taking home this years National League Cy Young award. Ranking in the 97th percentile for both chase percentage (34.8%) and walk percentage (4%), and the 96th percentile for his offspeed run value (15).
Michael Busch in 2024
The now 27-year-old Michael Busch in his efforts for his rookie campaign put together a decent season. Playing in 152 games Busch had 28 double, 21 HRs, 65 RBI, for a slash line of .248/.335/.440 for an OPS and OPS plus of .775 and 118.
The University of North Carolina product Michael Busch for his efforts showed a lot of promise at the plate with showing a lot of disciple by ranking in the 84th percentile in chase percentage (23.2%). He also showed the ability to take his walks with being in the 85th percentile for walk percentage (11.1)
The Minnesota native for his efforts was named the Chicago Cubs starting first basemen earlier this offseason with President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer saying so with his comments saying:
“We really see Michael as a Gold Glove first baseman,” Hoyer said. “That’s our focus. Can he move around a little bit? Of course. His versatility is great, but he made real strides at first. I thought after the first month of the season, he was fantastic at first. And that’s certainly how we’re seeing him.”
Promise for success in 2025
Both Shota Imanaga and Michael Busch are in line to both take steps forward for the Cubs this season. The Cubs will need both Imanaga and Busch to do so if they are to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Michael Busch figures to be a key part in the Cubs lineup with hitting behind Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki. While Shota Imanaga figures to lead the Cubs pitching staff as their Ace.
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