In a recent news conference at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga was asked about potentially convincing fellow countryman Roki Sasaki to join the team as he prepares to move from Japan to the MLB next season. Sasaki is a highly sought-after pitcher in this season's free agency, with the Cubs being one of the teams speculated to be his landing spot.
During the conference, the United States ambassador to Japan intervened in a light-hearted manner to prevent Imanaga from responding to the question, indicating his allegiance to the Cubs. The ambassador, a Chicago native and avid Cubs fan, humorously offered to act as Imanaga's attorney and agent to avoid any potential awkwardness.
Imanaga, who was present at the embassy to promote the U.S. Global Entry system, refrained from answering the question as the ambassador emphasized the unfairness of putting him on the spot. The event highlighted the ambassador's ties to the Cubs, having represented the Wrigley Field area during his time in Congress and celebrating the team's historic World Series win in 2016.
As the ambassador's tenure as ambassador nears its end with the change in American presidential administrations, he expressed his excitement for Sasaki's move to the United States without explicitly revealing his personal favorite team. He acknowledged that once he steps down from his current role, he will be free to openly support a baseball team of his choice.
The light-hearted exchange at the embassy underscored the diplomatic nature of the event, with Imanaga's focus on promoting the U.S. Global Entry system and the ambassador's playful intervention to steer the conversation away from baseball allegiances.
Overall, the event provided a glimpse into the intersection of sports and diplomacy, showcasing the camaraderie between the ambassador, the Cubs pitcher, and the anticipation surrounding Sasaki's upcoming transition to the MLB.
