Shota Imanaga shares his biggest surprise of being in America
May 1, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) pitches against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Shota Imanaga seems to have adjusted to life in America rather quickly, but you probably could never guess what has surprised the Chicago Cubs star the most about his new home.
In an interview with MLB Network on Thursday, Imanaga was asked to share the most surprising thing he has experienced since moving to the United States from Japan. The left-hander thought for a few moments before providing an awesome response.
“The biggest surprise for me has been that even on a red light, I can take a right,” Imanaga said through his interpreter.
“Shota, what has been the most surprising thing about life in America off the field in your short time here in the USA?”
Shōta: “The biggest surprise for me has been that even on a red light, I can take a right.”
(📸: @MLBNetwork) pic.twitter.com/SUMgStQQbq
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) May 2, 2024
Imanaga signed a 4-year, $53 million contract with the Cubs back in January. He lived in Japan his entire life prior to that. The 30-year-old has undoubtedly noticed countless cultural differences between his native country and the U.S., so the fact that turning right on red came to mind is hilarious.
Imanaga is off to a phenomenal start in his first MLB season. He is 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 34 2/3 innings. He has also had some funny moments both on the mound and while meeting with the media. It is hardly a mystery why Imanaga has become a fan favorite so quickly.
