Shohei Ohtani has signed a record-shattering deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, putting an end to the pursuit of the most highly-coveted free agent in sports history.

The Cubs, who had reportedly been involved in the Ohtani sweepstakes, now must shift their focus elsewhere, with plenty of needs and an open checkbook as free agency continues.

In all likelihood, the team will target starting pitching help after the departure of Marcus Stroman, but they’ll also need to address concerns in their corner infield spots and in center field, among other needs.

As he enters his first season in the Unites States, the expectation is for him to have top-of-the-line stuff. He has ace material and that’s what Chicago’s hoping for this season.

Brian Murphy of MLB.com predicted that Imanaga will make the All-Rookie team in 2023-24, which would bring an impressive accolade to his rookie season.

Murphy was impressed with what he did in the World Baseball Classic last year, pointing to his seven strikeouts over six innings of work during the tournament.

The major concern for Imanaga is the amount of home runs he allowed in Japan.

He gave up 17 last season and has given up around 17 in many of his professional years.

He’s not going to blow anyone away with his fastball, so he has to keep the ball down or get hitters off balance.

Leaving the ball up in the zone in the big leagues is a recipe for disaster, and if he doesn’t realize that early on, his career won’t be what everyone’s hoping it to be.