Philosophy of change: How Cubs’ Shōta Imanaga is tackling MLB transition

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New Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga shakes hands with fans as he is introduced at a team convention Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, in Chicago. The Japanese left-hander is expected to step right into the baseball team’s rotation as it tries to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

New Cubs pitcher Shu014dta Imanaga didn’t mention location or history when asked about his priorities in free agency – though he’d been in Chicago, where his agency Octagon is based, since Dec. 26, and he’d researched the organization’s past.

“I wanted to be at a team where I myself, along with the team, can continue to get better and grow,” Iamanaga said through interpreter Shingo Murata at his introductory news conference last week.