Connor Bedard Influences a Major Signing For The Chicago Cubs

The contract has some interesting details, allowing the team to extend it to $80 million over five years after both the second and third years. If the Cubs decide not to extend in either of these years, Imanaga can choose to become a free agent or stick with the original contract.

What's intriguing is that Imanaga, after attending one of Connor Bedard's early home games with the Chicago Blackhawks, found motivation in the vibrant atmosphere during the national anthem.

Imanaga's Chicago experience didn't stop at the ballpark; he later visited the United Center, buying a Michael Jordan jersey and snapping a picture next to the iconic statue.

The impact of Chicago sports, especially the Blackhawks, seems to have left a lasting mark on the Cubs' latest addition.