Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga says he’s relying less on excuses and more on accountability, including improving English and integrating with teammates.
Shota Imanaga is taking a distinctly new approach to his time with the Chicago Cubs, blending on-field accountability with a louder commitment to fit into American baseball.
In interviews following a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Imanaga said he no longer wants his background to serve as an explanation when performances fall short.. In the third year of his Major League career. he framed the shift as a decision to carry himself like the player he came to become. with fewer internal escape routes when the results do not go his way.
For Imanaga, the change is about how he handles pressure. He described previously keeping “excuses” in his own head when outings did not go well, and he said speaking that reality out loud has increased the weight he places on his next start.
That matters beyond baseball language. When a player talks openly about accountability, it often signals to teammates and coaches that the mental side of the sport is being treated as seriously as mechanics.
Teammates say the adjustment is already visible in his routine and mindset.. Veteran pitcher Jameson Taillon said he has not noticed Imanaga struggling to recover after rough stretches. pointing instead to an upbeat demeanor.. That steadiness, Taillon added, is especially important for starters, who can feel isolated when a game goes sideways.
Pitching coach Tommy Hottovy. who has worked with Imanaga since his arrival. linked the new standard to Imanaga’s earlier mindset in Japan. where expectations around being perfect can be hard to sustain over the grind of the big leagues.. Hottovy said the goal is still to strive for quality. but that chasing perfection every outing is rarely realistic at the Major League level.
In this context, the Cubs’ culture has provided a framework for that balance.. The organization emphasizes checking in on teammates and building a shared mindset across roles. with pitchers routinely gathering around when starters are warming up or throwing between starts.. Hottovy said those moments allow players to offer pointers and feedback. reinforcing a group identity that is meant to push everyone forward together.
For Imanaga, the integration extends well past the pitcher’s mound.. Taillon described him as someone who has made an effort to learn small bits of English early on and to engage with the team’s way of doing things. including training and recovery routines.. That willingness to ask questions. compare methods. and adopt what fits has been part of his progress from season to season.
Meanwhile, Hottovy said this season has brought greater comfort, including more direct interaction without needing an interpreter constantly.. He also noted that Imanaga has taken pride in working on his English. while the team reciprocates by learning Japanese to create more freedom for communication.
At the end of the day, what Imanaga is describing is not just assimilation—it’s control.. By emphasizing language growth and personal accountability. he is trying to reduce friction in his life and increase clarity in his preparation. which can be a powerful advantage in a league where small changes matter.