Cubs Pitching Coach Sees Improvement in Imanaga's Stuff

Tommy Hottovy believes the left-hander's velocity, repertoire, and pitch mix are better than in his standout 2024 season.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:50pm

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Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy is optimistic about Shota Imanaga's outlook this season, saying the left-hander's stuff is better now than it was in his standout 2024 campaign. Despite a rough debut where Imanaga allowed 4 earned runs in 5 innings, Hottovy believes the pitcher's velocity, repertoire, and pitch mix have all improved.

Why it matters

Imanaga was one of the Cubs' most reliable starters in 2024, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA. If Hottovy's assessment is accurate and Imanaga has indeed taken another step forward, it could be a major boost for the Cubs' rotation as they look to return to the playoffs.

The details

In his first start of the 2026 season, Imanaga struggled against the Nationals, allowing 4 earned runs on 3 hits, including a home run, in 5 innings. However, Hottovy pointed out that Imanaga never faced Washington in 2024, so comparing his current stuff to those previous outings against the Nationals is where the pitching coach sees Imanaga's growth. Hottovy noted that Imanaga worked on a different version of his sinker in Spring Training, which led to a key double play groundout against Keibert Ruiz.

  • Imanaga made his 2026 season debut on Sunday, April 1st.
  • In 2024, Imanaga went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA across 29 starts.

The players

Shota Imanaga

A left-handed starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who had a standout 2024 season, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA.

Tommy Hottovy

The pitching coach for the Chicago Cubs who is optimistic about Imanaga's improved stuff and outlook for the 2026 season.

Keibert Ruiz

A right fielder for the Washington Nationals who grounded into a double play against Imanaga on Sunday.

Joey Wiemer

A right fielder for the Washington Nationals who hit a home run off Imanaga in the first inning on Sunday.

Cade Horton

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is in the team's rotation alongside Imanaga.

Edward Cabrera

A starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who is in the team's rotation alongside Imanaga.

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What they’re saying

“I know Shota had a fantastic year in [20]24 but I think his stuff is better right now, I really do. I think the [velocity] is better. I think he's got a bigger repertoire and a bigger pitch mix.”

— Tommy Hottovy, Cubs Pitching Coach

“Obviously there's two ways to avoid homers, swing and miss or balls on the ground. That's really the only two ways you can 100% avoid giving up a home run. And so those are things we're working on, and he's working on. I know he was obviously frustrated with giving up the homer, but again, he composed himself and pitched extremely well the rest of the way, kept us in the ball game.”

— Tommy Hottovy, Cubs Pitching Coach

“...to get that result with wind blowing out in a bit, in a big moment, and get a ground ball double play, like those are little things like such a good win for him to see the work that he's putting in, getting the results he wants.”

— Tommy Hottovy, Cubs Pitching Coach

What’s next

The Cubs will continue to monitor Imanaga's progress and development as the season goes on. If Hottovy's assessment proves accurate and Imanaga builds on his 2024 success, it could be a major boost for the Cubs' rotation.

The takeaway

Imanaga's rough debut is not a major concern for the Cubs, as pitching coach Tommy Hottovy believes the left-hander's stuff has actually improved since his standout 2024 campaign. If Imanaga can harness his enhanced velocity, repertoire, and pitch mix, he could take another step forward and solidify himself as a top-of-the-rotation arm for the Cubs.