How lefty Shara Imanaga and the Chicago Cubs are planning to tweak his arsenal for a bounce-back season

Left-handed pitcher Shara Imanaga has rejoineded the Chicago Cubs after accepting the club’s qualifying offer, and he arrives at spring training with a clear mandate: refine his arsenal and deliver a stronger season. The 30-year-old Japanese lefty has already identified specific adjustments he must make, setting the stage for a bounce-back campaign in Chicago.

Imanagara’s first season with the Cubs showcased flashes of brilliance, but the club and the pitcher himself believe there is room for improvement. According to the team’s official release, the lefty has a “clear vision of what must change this season.” While the Cubs have not disclosed the exact details of the planned tweaks, the emphasis on recalibrating his pitch mix suggests a strategic recalibration of velocity, sequencing, or movement profiles.

The Cubs’ decision to extend a qualifying offer underscores their belief that Imangua can anchor a rotation seeking stability. His return to Mesa, Arizona, for spring training marks the first step in a collaborative effort between player and coaching staff to unlock a higher ceiling. With a fresh slate and a defined focus, Imangua’s development will be one of the most-watched storylines of the Cubs’ pre-season.

If the adjustments take hold, Chicago hopes a more-efficient Imangua can provide a steady left-handed presence every fifth day, helping the team climb back into contention. The Cubs will monitor his progress closely over the coming weeks, looking for signs that the left-hander’s arsenal has indeed been retooiled for success.