Welcome back to the Cubs Beat newsletter. Jordan Bastian has covered baseball for MLB.com since 2005, including the Cubs since the 2019 season.

CHICAGO -- As Shōta Imanaga did some research on the history of the Cubs before signing with the ballclub, the pitcher naturally studied up on the 2016 World Series champions. He envisioned what it would be like to experience a similar season and parade in Chicago.

“That left a big impression on me,” Imanaga said via Cubs software engineer Shingo Murata, who served as the pitcher’s interpreter on Friday. “I saw the images of the parade with millions and millions of people.”

Imanaga also marveled at the role Ben Zobrist played in helping end the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought. The former super-utility man moved to different spots in the batting order and accepted whatever position he was asked to play. Zobrist also delivered the go-ahead RBI double in the 10th inning of the Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

Zobrist happened to wear No. 18, which is a number often donned by ace pitchers in Japan. Yoshinobu Yamamoto picked that number with the Dodgers, as did Japanese pitchers like Kenta Maeda, Hisashi Iwakuma, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tomo Ohka before him.

Imanaga felt an even stronger pull to choose “18” given Zobrist’s place in Cubs history.

“Ben Zobrist was an excellent player,” Imanaga said. “He played a lot of roles. He did whatever it takes to help the team win.”

That last reason meant a lot to Zobrist, who attended Cubs Convention over the weekend to take part in a celebration of the 2016 team.

“That was probably, personally, what I felt most honored by, was that comment,” Zobrist said. “Because of course, that would be something that I'd want to be known for from my time here. So the fact that he gathered that based on his research, it's a big honor.”

Before Imanaga put on his new Cubs jersey with No. 18 stitched on the back in his introductory press conference, the pitcher reached out to Zobrist through their shared agency. He wanted to inform the former Cubs star of his number choice and the reasoning prior to announcing it publicly.

“He honored me. And I feel like, coming from an honor culture, that means a lot,” Zobrist said. “That’s amazing.”

During that 2016 season, Zobrist hit .272 with 18 homers, 31 doubles, 76 RBIs and more walks (96) than strikeouts (82). He was named to his third career All-Star team, reached the postseason for the sixth time and played in his third World Series. He took home the World Series MVP after hitting .357 (10-for-28) in seven games, including playing all 10 innings in the final, historic contest.

No wonder Imanaga wanted to wear his number.

“It’s not my number. It's the Cubs’,” Zobrist said. “And I hope he brings the next championship here.”

Prior to Zobrist’s stellar showing in 2016, can you name the last Cubs batter to finish a year with at least 96 walks and no more than 82 strikeouts?

A) Cap Anson
B) Mark Grace
C) Stan Hack
D) Richie Ashburn

It was a busy weekend at Cubs Convention, so let’s run down some items of note from the annual event…

 • Cody Bellinger was not at Cubs Con (he remains a free agent), but his name hovered over the event. Fans chanted “Cody! Cody!” as Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts spoke on opening night. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell fielded fan questions about Bellinger possibly coming back. Even shortstop Dansby Swanson closed a speaking panel by saying, “Before we get to next year, we’ve got to re-sign Belli.”

• Hoyer made it clear both in chats with reporters and in his conversation with fans that the Cubs are not done making moves this offseason. The door is not closed on bringing Bellinger back, but Chicago has multiple needs. Hoyer said the bullpen is a priority, as is adding offensive help, especially against right-handed pitching.

• With the acquisition of prospect Michael Busch from the Dodgers, the Cubs believe they might just have their starting first baseman. Counsell said Busch has “conquered the Minor Leagues,” and the North Siders are planning on giving the budding slugger a real shot at seizing that spot on the diamond.

• The Cubs plan on having Christopher Morel as a lineup regular, but the current thinking is that it does not have to be at one position. Counsell values versatility, and he likes the idea of having Morel as an option all over the field to help with lineup decisions and in-game maneuvering. Morel also found a comfort zone DHing in 2023, so he could continue in that role.

• Beyond the current players and alumni, Cubs fans get a glimpse of the future every year at the fan fest. More than half of the MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Cubs prospects list was on hand for autographs, speaking panels and events. Here is a roundup of some prospect notes on Matt Shaw, Cade Horton, Brennen Davis and Michael Arias.

• Congrats are in order for Cubs greats Kerry Wood and Aramis Ramírez, who found out during the opening ceremonies that they will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in the summer. Well deserved for both former players.

• One of the highlights of Cubs Con every winter is the Kids Only Press Conference. This year’s event did not disappoint, especially when a young fan challenged slugger Patrick Wisdom to a push-up contest.

“I’m going to have to learn something, because I mean, ‘Philosopher’ -- that’s way above a ‘Professor’ in my eyes. I don’t know. I think I’ve got to pick his brain. I’ve got some work to do.” -- Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks, known as "The Professor," on Imanaga’s nickname, "The Throwing Philosopher"

D) Richie Ashburn

There have been 11 such seasons in Cubs history, achieved by nine players. Before Zobrist, you have to go back to 1960, when Ashburn drew 116 walks and only struck out 50 times. Hack (‘41 and ‘45) and Jimmy Sheckard (‘11-12) achieved the feat twice.

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