Shota Imanaga, the distinguished pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is embarking on a rigorous journey of physical and technical refinement as he prepares for the upcoming baseball season. Following a 2025 campaign marred by a left hamstring injury and subsequent mechanical inconsistencies, Imanaga has made a resolute commitment to his team. His decision to accept a qualifying offer underscores his dedication to addressing the challenges of the past year and re-establishing his dominance on the mound, with a clear focus on incremental, continuous improvement rather than a nostalgic pursuit of prior form.
The previous season presented significant hurdles for Imanaga. A hamstring strain sidelined him for seven weeks, fundamentally disrupting his pitching mechanics and contributing to a challenging performance, particularly during a crucial National League Division Series game. Despite the disheartening conclusion to the season, which saw him sidelined during the Brewers' celebratory moments, Imanaga's resolve remained unshaken. During the offseason, he meticulously evaluated his performance and physical condition. This introspection, coupled with discussions with his agent, led him to opt for a one-year contract, emphasizing a season-by-season approach to his career and a steadfast commitment to the Cubs.
The Cubs organization, from manager Craig Counsell to pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, expresses profound enthusiasm for Imanaga's return and his proactive approach. Counsell highlighted Imanaga's competitive spirit, stating his confidence that the pitcher will channel his past frustrations into a powerful comeback. Hottovy echoed this sentiment, noting Imanaga's significantly improved physical state compared to the end of the previous year. This positive outlook from the team leadership signals a strong belief in Imanaga's capacity to rebound and deliver an exceptional performance.
A key aspect of Imanaga's preparation involves a comprehensive overhaul of his physical conditioning, particularly focusing on strengthening his lower body. The hamstring injury in May significantly impacted his drive leg, leading to instability and affecting his pitch command. Hottovy explained that good command relies on consistent pitch shapes, which are easily compromised by lower-body issues. Imanaga's attempts to compensate for this instability by altering his delivery cues and sight lines proved difficult to sustain during competitive play. The offseason has allowed him to diligently work on rebuilding the strength needed to support his trunk and maintain a stable, powerful delivery.
Beyond physical rehabilitation, Imanaga's spring training agenda includes a strategic refinement of his pitch repertoire. This involves a three-pronged approach: enhancing his sweeper, adjusting his sinker grip for increased velocity, and reintroducing his cutter. The goal for the sweeper is to integrate its improved shape within his natural delivery. Hottovy also advocates for greater utilization of Imanaga's curveball, envisioning it as a complementary pitch to his fastball-splitter combination, particularly against right-handed hitters. The strategic deployment of the cutter, a pitch previously de-emphasized since his arrival from Japan, will further diversify his arsenal. This meticulous fine-tuning of his pitches is designed to create a more effective and versatile pitcher.
Imanaga's singular focus remains on the present season, dismissing any temptation to dwell on or attempt to replicate past successes. He understands the pitfalls of chasing a previous version of oneself, recognizing that such a pursuit can lead to a downward spiral. Instead, his energy is directed towards continuous growth and evolution. By concentrating on becoming a better version of himself in the moment, Imanaga is poised to approach the season with renewed vigor, an optimized physical condition, and a strategically enhanced pitching arsenal, ready to contribute significantly to the Cubs' ambitions.
