Wrigley Field is usually alive with the sounds of cracks of mighty homers or the road of the crowd, but sometimes the magic comes from unexpected places. Meet Shota Imanaga, a pitcher who has quickly become a fan favorite in Chicago, winning hearts both on and off the field. The 31-year-old’s first season with the Chicago Cubs was nothing short of remarkable.

With a remarkable 15-3 record, a 2.91 ERA, and 174 strikeouts, Imanaga’s presence on the mound earned him praise and an All-Star appearance. But little did the Cubs fans know that their star pitcher had more talent up his sleeve, the one that would make them love him even more! On Wednesday, the Cubs’ social media handle gave fans a glimpse of Imanaga’s hidden skill. A video of Shota, with a guitar in his hand, with his heartfelt rendition of “Go Cubs Go.” 

The club’s anthem echoes through the Wrigley Field after a triumph. The video quickly went viral, and fans were in awe not just of his fastball but also of his musical talent. Imanaga, who is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the field, revealed a softer side that was embraced by fans, adding a layer to his already likable persona. His natural charisma, combined with his talent, has made him a fan favorite, and this guitar moment only solidified his place in the hearts of Cubs fans.

It’s clear that Imanaga isn’t just here to dominate on the mound and rack up batsmen, but to become a lasting part of the Cubs’ history; from his impressive debut season to his delightful surprise off the field, Shota’s journey with the Cubs has just begun. With the Cubs’ future bright and Imanaga at the center of it all, it’s safe to say that Chicago has found a new star, both in baseball and in life.

Shoto Imanaga’s preparations for Tokyo and beyond

Shota Imanaga’s first spring training start with the Chicago Cubs didn’t go exactly as planned, but the pitcher’s outlook remains as positive as ever. With the Tokyo Series looming just around the corner, Imanaga is focused on refining his game and gearing up for next season. After a 2.2-inning outing against the San Francisco Giants, where he allowed three runs on three hits, Imanaga acknowledged a key area for improvement: pacing. “I think I started too aggressively in the first inning,” said Imanaga, noting that it led to a drop in energy during the second and third innings.

Despite the struggles, he was pleased with his strikeouts—six in total—showing that his stuff is still electric, even if the results weren’t ideal. Looking ahead, Imanaga is working on staying in sync between pitching, resting, and preparing for the season opener. He feels he is more prepared than last year, aiming to address any inconsistencies between bullpen sessions and actual games. And as far as the Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers is concerned, he isn’t overly excited, viewing them as a crucial part of his preparations rather than the ultimate goal.

As Shota Imanaga continues to fine-tune his game during the spring training fixtures, his focus remains on long-term success rather than any immediate setbacks. The Cubs’ right-hander is ready to take the mound in Tokyo, prepared to showcase his talent and contribute to the team’s goals for the season. For him, it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter.