Best of the Cubs: Shota Imanaga is pitching like an ace
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The Mully & Haugh Show episode celebrates Shota Imanaga's emergence as the Cubs' ace in 2026, highlighting his dominant performance against Kyle Schwarber and the team's offensive resurgence. The hosts reflect on Imanaga’s journey from a controversial offseason contract and second-half struggles in 2025 to a revitalized, confident pitcher who has earned 'Shota Appreciation Day' through four stellar starts. They analyze the strategic decision to offer him a qualifying one-year deal, emphasizing how his offseason dedication—skipping the WBC and intense preparation—reversed the narrative of recency bias. The discussion also turns to the Cubs’ offensive explosion, led by Nico Horner’s breakout performance, who is now a key catalyst in a lineup that’s scoring 10+ runs in three straight games. The hosts debate whether the pitching or the offense is the bigger story, ultimately affirming that both are synergizing to lift the team to .500. They also touch on the team’s bullpen woes, the depth of the roster, and the broader context of Cubs fans’ expectations amid a competitive NL Central.
Shota Imanaga has reinvented himself through offseason dedication, skipping the WBC and returning with elite command and a deep pitch arsenal.
The Cubs’ offensive surge, led by Nico Horner’s leadoff power and disciplined hitting, has been sustainable due to strong situational approach and depth.
Imanaga’s 245 ERA and 31 strikeouts in four starts signal a return to form and have earned him the role of staff ace despite prior struggles.
Cubs fans’ pessimism is rooted in past disappointment, but the team’s current depth and performance suggest a more optimistic trajectory.
The team’s success hinges on maintaining health, especially with key pitchers like Imanaga and the bullpen still fragile.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Shota Imanaga’s Dominant Debut Against Schwarber
“Shota ends up striking out Schwarber after a lengthy battle. I think, look, there's this question of where does confidence come from? You know, do you have to do it or can you have it?”
The Story Behind Imanaga’s Comeback
“He skipped the WBC because he wanted to focus on us, honestly. I think he looked really good last couple of times out this spring. And so I'm excited about it.”
The Cubs’ Offensive Rebirth
“The way the Cubs offense has responded since having some real problems... They get the win in walk-off fashion. And even when they lost to the Phillies, right? Monday, they score seven runs.”
Nico Horner: The X-Factor in the Lineup
“I don't want to hit ground balls, but there's also like high fly balls also don't really do me any good unless they're at a dead left field also. So it really does come back to hard line drives all over the field.”
The Cubs’ Identity: Depth, Confidence, and Realism
The hosts debate whether the Cubs are truly a playoff contender, acknowledging their depth and offensive firepower while remaining cautious about bullpen fragility and long-term sustainability.
“He skipped the WBC because he wanted to focus on us, honestly. I think he looked really good last couple of times out this spring. And so I'm excited about it.”
“I do this for the love of the game. We'll figure something out. He knows we're broke.”
“He's the guy... is built to hit home runs and he absolutely dominates it. He does it against the best pitching in the biggest situations, and I really hope he gets to 500 homers and forces his way into the Hall of Fame.”
Hosts
Guest
Cubs
other
Shota Imanaga
person
Nico Horner
person
Kyle Schwarber
person
Jed Hoyer
person
Kate Horton
person
World Baseball Classic
other
Matt Shaw
person
Craig Council
person
ABS System
other
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