Cubs Phenom 'Likeliest' to Win ROY

The Chicago Cubs got unfortunate news over the weekend that Jameson Taillon will miss his first start of the year due to back tightness.

Craig Counsell indicated that it's unlikely he'll be ready to go on Opening Day, already creating a problem on day one.

After an offseason that could've seen the Cubs do more, this injury could come back to be one that was the reason they make or miss the playoffs.

Outside of re-signing Cody Bellinger, the biggest move for the organization was landing Japanese star Shota Imanaga.

The 30-year-old has played professionally since 2016, posting impressive numbers with the Yokohama Bay Stars in Japan and recording a 2.80 ERA across 148 innings pitched during 2023.

Imanaga will be expected to produce from his first start.

With the injury to Taillon, that pressure turns up another notch.

However, it's believed that he can do just that. 

According to Will Leitch of MLB.com, he views Imanaga as the likeliest to win the Rookie of the Year award in the National League Central.

"Well, if you are looking to make a grand first impression, singing 'Go, Cubs, Go' at your opening press conference is a great way to do it. He also has looked more than ready to go this spring, striking out five in his first appearance, and at 30, he shouldn't be rattled by anything he sees. He is The Throwing Philosopher, after all."

DraftKings Sportsbook has Imanaga at +1000 to win the award, the fourth-shortest odds. 

Given his experience and age, the Japanese star has seen plenty of what's to come in Major League Baseball. When things get tough, there shouldn't be a issue of him not bouncing back.

Imanaga enters the big leagues with one concern, keeping the ball in the yard. If he can keep his home runs allowed numbers down, he should find success in his rookie season.