Shota Imanaga Targets Spring Comeback With Philosophical Approach

This article dives into Shota Imanaga’s latest chapter with the Chicago Cubs. It covers his CY2024 breakout, the injuries that cut into his season, and the way he’s rebuilding with hopes for a stronger 2026.

There’s also a look at the contract drama after a rocky playoff run. Plus, the coaches’ plans for his comeback get some attention—let’s just say, they’re not short on ideas.

A season of ascent and adversity

Imanaga landed in Chicago after a stellar run in Japan. He quickly backed up the Cubs’ gamble with an All-Star campaign—think 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA.

In 2024, he flashed the upside the front office wanted when they signed him. But then, a left hamstring strain on May 4 threw everything off, sidelining him for seven weeks and messing with his mechanics.

That injury sapped his usual command. It’s wild how quickly a small tweak in the body can unravel a pitcher’s rhythm.

What defined his 2024 breakout

Before things went sideways, Imanaga looked like the mid-rotation rock every team wants in tense moments. His mix of deception, pitch sequencing, and feel for both sides of the plate gave hitters fits.

Honestly, the early part of his season just felt different. Expectations soared—this guy could anchor the Cubs’ rotation for a long time, or so it seemed.

The injury’s ripple effects and late-season fade

When he returned, Imanaga struggled to find his mechanics again. He lost some of his edge and couldn’t quite command the zone like before.

In his last 12 starts, he gave up 20 homers and posted a 5.17 ERA. That’s a steep drop from his summer highs.

The problems didn’t stop there. In the playoffs, he put up an 8.10 ERA over 6 2/3 innings—tough to watch, honestly.

From NLDS decisions to a 2026 path

The Cubs had a tough call in the NLDS and chose not to use Imanaga in Game 5. That, plus the season’s ups and downs, led to a contract standoff.

They landed on a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer for 2026. It keeps Imanaga in Chicago for another shot, but also lets the Cubs keep their options open as they plan for the future.

What that agreement signals for the Cubs and Imanaga

Chicago’s hoping for a healthy, more confident Imanaga. For him, it’s a chance to prove he can stay durable and sharpen his skills in big moments.

Both sides seem to want a careful, data-driven reset. No one’s rushing into a long-term deal until there’s a little more proof he’s back to form.

Winter work and the plan to reinvent his repertoire

All winter, Imanaga focused on building up his lower half. He even sent training videos from Japan to Cubs coaches, working together remotely to restore his delivery and get that velocity back.

The goal? More weight transfer, better balance, and a repeatable release to power his fastball and secondary stuff. It’s a grind, but he seems all-in.

Hottovy’s plan: sharpen, diversify, and preserve velocity

Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy has a few ideas to spark Imanaga’s game:

• Add a sweeper from his natural arm slot. That should give his pitches a vertical break and keep hitters off-balance.
• Bring back his cutter for a two-seamer-like look when counts get long.
• Try out a sinker grip to help him hold velocity deeper into games and manage late-season fatigue.

These tweaks aim to make him more versatile and able to adjust to hitters and wear-and-tear. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s a pretty modern approach for a Cubs pitcher.

World Baseball Classic and spring prep

Imanaga chose not to pitch for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. He wanted to focus on rehab and Cubs spring training instead.

That move shows he’s serious about coming back strong for 2026 and beyond. Spring training will be a huge test—he’ll need to see if the new mechanics and extra velocity show up when it counts.

Outlook: counting on a measured, productive comeback

The Cubs are now figuring out their next steps with Imanaga. They’re looking for durability, sharper command, and an expanded pitch mix that’ll hold up over a full season.

If these tweaks work, Imanaga could become a steady rotation piece again. He’s got the tools—a reliable fastball, a sharp breaking ball, and that new sweeper—to cover six or seven innings when he’s on.

Fans and fantasy folks are waiting to see if Shota Imanaga can finally turn all that potential into real, lasting MLB success. After a bumpy season, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll make that leap.

Whatever happens next will shape how the Cubs build their rotation for 2026 and beyond. They’ll have to weigh the risks and rewards as they chase a strong, reliable arm up front.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Shota brings philosophical approach, renewed focus to important spring