CHICAGO — While rumors of Shota Imanaga’s potential free agent status are swirling around MLB news sites, the Japanese star has chosen to respond with words that have touched Cubs fans: “I’m not thinking about anywhere else. I’m thinking about Wrigley, about this blue.”
In recent days, MLB experts have suggested that Imanaga — who is having a breakout first season with the Chicago Cubs — might consider opting out at the end of the season. However, contrary to the cold speculation in the transfer market, the 30-year-old pitcher has shown a burning heart of loyalty to the city that has welcomed him like family.
“I love how the fans here don’t abandon the team, rain or shine. I want to keep pitching for them, for my teammates. I haven’t done enough,” Imanaga said after Monday’s practice.
Imanaga, who joined the Cubs earlier this season on a four-year, $53 million contract, quickly became one of the league’s most impressive rookies. With an ERA just over 3.00, he has helped the Cubs keep their playoff hopes alive during a turbulent period — and won the hearts of fans with his calmness, discipline, and humility typical of Japanese athletes.
The Cubs locker room describes Imanaga as the “quiet soul” of the team, someone who comes in early, leaves late, and often takes time to help the young pitchers. “Shota doesn’t say much, but when he does, the whole room listens,” Marcus Stroman once said.
Off the field, the image of Imanaga walking around Wrigleyville after games, taking pictures with kids, and signing autographs in the rain became a symbol of a player with true Cubs spirit. So when rumors spread that he might exercise his free agency clause to pursue a bigger contract, Chicago fans responded strongly — many wrote handwritten letters and hung “Stay, Shota!” signs around Wrigley Field.
In the face of that wave of affection, his response resonated even more with the city:
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I know what I want today — to stay here, to fight, laugh, and cry with the Cubs.”
The way he said it, no signature was needed to understand that Shota Imanaga’s heart — at least for now — is still in Chicago.
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