One problem the Cubs feared during the offseason has returned at the worst possible time

For a brief moment in time, all seemed right in the world. The Chicago Cubs were cruising to an NL Central title behind multiple 10-game winning streaks, and Shota Imanaga had rediscovered his All-Star form.

This is simply what we do when mired in difficult times: yearn for the simpler things. The North Siders did finally break up their losing streak with a 10-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, but that lone victory won't absolve this team of all their flaws. Nor will it erase any concerns about Imanaga's recent tailspin.

During his first nine starts of the season, the Japanese southpaw ran a 2.32 ERA and 2.82 FIP while striking out 59 hitters in 54 1/3 innings. More importantly, he was limiting the long ball, surrendering just five home runs.

In his two starts since, though, Imanaga is looking more and more like the pitcher who completely fell out of favor down the stretch in 2025. Against the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros, he's surrendered 15 earned runs in just 10 1/3 frames, striking out only eight batters. Of course, the homers are back with a vengeance, as he's given up five more in this brief window.

Given the gutted state of the team's rotation, the Cubs are in dire need of Imanaga righting the ship before it's too late.

Shota Imanaga must become the Cubs' ace by merit, not default

During the team's 10-game losing streak, the Cubs were outscored 65-25, while their rotation posted an 8.52 ERA. Imanaga's collapse is obviously a huge part of both those figures, but it's also just a reality for a team that is missing it's top four starting pitchers (Justin Steele, Cade Horton, Edward Cabrera, and Matthew Boyd).

Among the healthy contingent, Imanaga and Jameson Taillon are the only pitchers with any sort of frontline pedigree. Unfortunately, the latter is caught in a homer-fueled breakdown of his own, ranking dead last among qualified starters with -0.7 fWAR.

With his right-hand(ed) man pitching so far below replacement level, Imanaga unequivocally has to step up in order to help the Cubs save their season. We know the offense can hit well enough to beat even the best competitors, and we think the bullpen has enough depth to close out tight games. What is a complete mystery is how the rotation can offer enough quality innings to keep this whole operation afloat.

A rapid turnaround from Imanaga would be an excellent first step toward solving that conundrum.

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