Chicago Cubs: Shota Imanaga reveals inspiring message from Craig Counsell ahead of 2026 season
There was some uncertainty if there would be a 2026 reunion between the Chicago Cubs and left-handed starting pitcher Shota Imanaga. The Japanese southpaw dazzled in his first season in Major League Baseball. As a rookie in 2024, he was named an NL All-Star, finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting, and came in fourth for NL Rookie of the Year.
But Imanaga struggled in 2025, and some did not think the Cubs would bring him back for a third season with the club. However, he accepted a one-year $22 million qualifying offer, guaranteeing his return on a very hefty salary.
On Tuesday, he told reporters the mindset he is taking from manager Craig Counsell as he looks to bounce back to his 2024 former.
Chicago Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga got good advice from manager Craig Counsell
As a rookie in 2024, Imanaga was 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. It appeared that Chicago had a true ace on their staff who would be dominant for years to come.
But 2025 saw the southpaw go 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. His strikeout numbers plummeted, though he was able to keep his walk totals down.
So as he reported for Spring Training, Counsell had a message for Imanaga, one that the left-hander revealed to reporters:
“(Counsell said) in the first season I punched MLB, and then the second season MLB punched back. But he made it simple, all you have to really do is stand back up.”
Shota Imanaga said his conversation with Craig Counsell gave him more confidence for 2026
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) February 24, 2026
“(Counsell said) in the first season I punched MLB, and then the second season MLB punched back. But he made it simple, all you have to really do is stand back up.
“So looking bat at it, yes, I did get punched in the second year. But, just looking at it, what do I need to do to stand back up? What do I need to do to keep moving forward. So, I think it was a good mindset that he gave me.”
Of course, boxing analogies are common throughout all sports. It is interesting, though, that Counsell used this one in this case.
A great deal has been made in the past that Counsell was replaced on the Milwaukee Brewers by his own bench coach, Pat Murphy. However, what is often forgotten is that Murphy was Counsell’s baseball coach in college. He is also a former boxer.
There is very little doubt that the lesson Counsell have to Imanaga is a similar one he heard from his old mentor at Notre Dame.
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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-shota-imanaga-craig-counsell/
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