The 2024 MLB All-Star game will be July 16th at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, home of the Texas Rangers. This year, the Chicago Cubs have one participant after the voting ended, and rosters were announced on July 7th. As all Cubs fans know, this has not been the best of first halves for the Cubs, and the voting for the National League rosters displays that the rest of the league’s fans have taken notice as well. The Cubs will be represented by their best player this season when the teams take the field for the mid-summer classic in Texas.
LHP – Shota Imanaga
Shota has been the best pitcher for the Cubs this season. He has a 7-2 win/loss record with a 3.16 ERA on the season. He has only allowed 32 earned runs over 91 innings pitched so far this year. He has made 16 starts for the Cubs this season. He has a 1.11 WHIP and has struck out 92 batters this season. After an incredible start to his major league career, Shota has cooled off lately. He didn’t allow his first earned run until his fourth game of the year against the Miami Marlins. He started the year 4-0 and in April. Unfortunately for the Cubs, he has only earned a Win in the decisions three more times in the following two-plus months. For the Cubs to rebound in the second half, they will need more of the April Shota if they plan to make a run to turn things around.
Overview
This selection was a no-brainer, honestly, and with more run production and a better bullpen, we might be talking about a different rookie getting his first all-star selection and perhaps even talks of Shota getting the starting nod. On Tuesday, July 16th, I will be tuned into the All-Star game to watch Imanaga get his turn on the mound and see what he can do against the best from the American League!