Cubs Legend 'Honored' Japanese Star Asked to Wear His Number

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Chicago Cubs' new acquisition of Shota Imanaga.

Despite not getting the attention of other pitchers on the market entering free agency, the left-hander proved to be an elite pitcher in Nippon Professional Baseball before deciding he wanted a new challenge in Major League Baseball.

Imanaga was hoping the Cubs would offer him a contract after he found himself very comfortable in the city of Chicago.

Despite there seemingly being no interest at the beginning of his free agency, both sides ultimately came to an agreement that has the Japanese star with the franchise for the next four years.

According to Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, their new potential ace also wanted to ask permission from a Cubs legend before wearing his old jersey number.

"Through his representatives, Imanaga reached out to [Ben] Zobrist about wearing No. 18. Zobrist felt honored by the gesture and excited about Imanaga’s potential," he reports.

That number is special amongst Japanese players as historically the best pitchers wear No. 18.

Ben Zobrist's tenure in Chicago will be remembered by his World Series MVP award in 2016 that broke the franchise's championship drought.

He spent the last four years of his career with the Cubs and decided to retire following the 2019 season. 

Zobrist's jersey number is not retired by Chicago, it should be noted, and others after him after worn No. 18. But Mooney says Imanaga has respect for what Zobrist was as a player, being someone who was unselfish and doing whatever was needed to help his team win.

Imanaga is certainly doing and saying all the right things prior to his debut this upcoming season.

There will be a lot of anticipation for his first Major League start whenever that date is announced.