Justin Steele, the Chicago Cubs' 29-year-old left-handed pitcher, has become more than just a teammate to fellow pitcher Shota Imanaga; he has emerged as his mental support and younger brother figure. Steele's unwavering encouragement plays a pivotal role as Imanaga strives for recovery after battling significant injuries last season.
Shota Imanaga made his major league debut back in 2021 and quickly became known for his formidable talent on the mound, achieving 16 wins to only five losses during his breakout year. Prior to last season, he was even hailed as a candidate for the National League Cy Young Award. Unfortunately, injuries, including persistent pain in his left thigh and elbow, severely hampered his performance, leaving him with only five wins and five losses last season.
This year, as they both head to training camp and the ensuing open games, Steele looks to inspire Imanaga, hoping to catalyze his complete recovery. "He is like a younger brother figure," Steele expressed, underscoring their unique bond. While Steele may be younger, his wisdom not only stems from his own experiences but also from observing Imanaga's resilience.
Steele himself grew up in Agricola, Mississippi, which is known for its high percentage of low-income earners. Hailing from this small town with fewer than 300 residents, he faced challenges in training environments yet had strong familial support. His grandfather was a basketball player at Southern Mississippi University, and his father was involved with Alabama University's football program, allowing him to cultivate his athletic ability across sports, including baseball.
Even as Steele has limited pitching tools—relying mainly on his slider with fastballs topping the 140 km/h mark—he's made tactical changes to his approach on the mound. Known for his distinctive cut fastball, or "cut ride," Steele made efforts to improve over the past season and is now showing promising signs of recovery.
Steele's last season is impressive, showcasing his skills with 24 game appearances resulting in five wins and five losses, together with a solid earned run average of 3.07. Last season, Imanaga leaned on Steele for advice, particularly on mental fortitude—a necessity for players who carry the weight of expectations.
Meanwhile, Imanaga seeks to regain his previous form; the inspiration from Steele, along with his seamless integration of mental advice, could signal a return to form. Imanaga’s tactical prowess and adaptability are noteworthy, as he adjusts the pitches he throws and works to refine his gameplay. Despite last season's difficulties, the mental guidance from Steele potentially provides the support Imanaga needs to thrive this year.
Turning to the Cubs' pitching roster, insiders have noted the addition of several key players, highlighting upcoming reliever Eli Morgan, who joined after being traded from the Guardians. Morgan experienced his challenges last season with only 32 appearances compared to 61 the previous year. Despite maintaining impressive figures, such as an earned run average of 1.93, his role was limited due to the tough competition within the Guardians' bullpen.
Interestingly, during his time with the Guardians, Morgan found himself relegated to the role of relief pitcher primarily during losing games. This adjustment was not helped by his transition away from his once-thriving changeup, showcasing his versatility as he focused instead on developing his four-seam and slider repertoire—a move widely recognized as transformative for the right-handed pitcher.
Now with the Cubs, Morgan embodies the characteristics of resilience and capability, much like Steele and Imanaga. Together, this trio offers not only talent but also camaraderie through their collective journeys, from hometown roots to major league baseball. It’s not merely about the statistics or accolades; the bonds formed during challenging times speak volumes about their characters and the psychological dimensions of sports.
With both Steele and Imanaga gearing up for the season, there is palpable excitement around their potential. Imanaga's quest for recovery, bolstered through Steele's mentorship, may just be the narrative the Cubs need this year, creating both intrigue and hope as they progress through the season.
This season, with new strategies and solid mental guidance, Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga serve as examples of how teamwork and mental support can define not just personal growth but also collective success, shining bright within the challenging world of major league baseball.
