WATCH: Shota Imanaga steals the spotlight at 2024 All-MLB Awards singing ‘Go Cubs Go’, to Mookie Betts' delight

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga stole the spotlight at the 2024 All-MLB Awards in Las Vegas on Thursday. Imanaga set the stage at The Cosmopolitan on fire with his lyrical participation in the Cubs' anthem, "Go Cubs Go."

The Japanese ace joined the Cubs ahead of the 2024 season, signing a four-year, $53,000,000 contract. While much of the hype was on his fellow countrymen Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani, the former Yokohama DeNA BayStars star was one of the best pitchers in 2024.

On Thursday, a video circulated online where Imanaga was holding the mic and participating in singing "Go Cubs Go" energetically. The cameras turned to LA Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts, who was seen vibing to it.

Check out the video below:

Shota Imanaga named to All-MLB second team

In just his first year in the MLB, Shota Imanaga left a noteworthy impression, leading to voters picking him to the All-MLB second team. He finished the 2024 season pitching in 29 games, holding a 2.91 ERA and 1.02 WHIP, leading his team to a 15-3 record.

Imanaga joined the star-studded All-MLB second team rotation, which included:

Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres
Michael King, San Diego Padres
Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals
Framber Valdez, Houston Astros

Meanwhile, the All-MLB first team was also filled with the best pitchers, including Cy Young contenders. They are as follows:

Corbin Burnes, Baltimore Orioles
Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves
Paul Skenes (Rookie), Pittsburgh Pirates
Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers
Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies

Interestingly, Shota Imanaga was the sole representation for the Cubs in All-MLB selections. The team's 83-79 campaign was good enough for third place in NL Central as it missed out on postseason qualification.

Here is the All-MLB first team:

Catcher: William Contreras, Milwaukee Brewers
First Baseman: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
Second Baseman: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks
Shortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
Third Baseman: José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians
Outfielders: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (World Champions) Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (American League Champions) Juan Soto, New York Yankees (American League Champions)
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers
Relief Pitchers: Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians, Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals

Do you agree with the selections? Have your say in the comments section below!

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

Know More

Edited by R. Elahi