3 big name free agent starting pitchers the Cubs could still add this winter

3 big name free agent starting pitchers the Cubs could still add: #1 - Shota Imanaga

While it's been all eyes on Yamamoto of late, another Japanese starter, Shota Imanaga, is also poised to make the jump to the big leagues this winter - and the Cubs have been a speculative fit for some time now.

The left-hander, expected to net a four or five-year deal, averaged north of 10 K/9 last season - leading all NPB hurlers with 174 punchouts. He's not an overpowering presence, but is widely regarded as one of the top pitchers in Japan, with a low-to-mid 90s fastball, mixed with a nasty splitter, a curveball and a slider.

A control artist, Imanaga doesn't issue many free passes and if he can work down in the zone, he could take advantage of the Cubs defense behind him. Again, he's not going to get a deal anywhere close to what Yamamoto will fetch, nor will he likely be as dominant - but he's got a track record of success that make him a nice fit on this team as its competitive window opens.