TOKYO — During a press event on Monday at the United States Embassy in Tokyo, Shota Imanaga, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, was posed an intriguing query about encouraging his fellow countryman Roki Sasaki to join his team.

Sasaki is set to transition from Japan to Major League Baseball (MLB) next season and is currently the most sought-after pitcher in this year’s free agency market. The Cubs are one of several teams believed to be strong contenders for his services.

Sitting alongside Imanaga was Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan. Recognizing a potentially awkward moment for Imanaga, he interjected humorously to shield him from having to respond directly. Emanuel declared, “I’m going to be his (Imanaga’s) attorney right now. He’s not answering that question. I’m going to be his agent. Won’t happen. I’ll pull the plug on his microphone.”

Though conveyed in jest, Emanuel’s preferences as a Chicagoan and a lifelong Cubs supporter were evident, having served as mayor during the team’s historic 2016 World Series victory after a 108-year drought. He emphasized, “It’s not really fair to put another player that plays for the Cubs on the spot to answer that question,” as Imanaga remained composed beside him.

Imanaga’s visit to the embassy was aimed at promoting the U.S. Global Entry system, which facilitates expedited border clearance for international travelers, with Japan recently becoming the 18th nation to join this initiative. Remarkably, Imanaga was the first Japanese citizen to register for the program and proudly dons the number 18 on his Cubs jersey.

With the recent changes in the U.S. administration, Emanuel’s tenure as ambassador is nearing its conclusion. He noted in his current role that he must remain neutral and cannot solely represent the Cubs. “In about eight weeks I can cheer for one of those many baseball teams that play in the States,” Emanuel reflected. “Right now sitting here in front of you I’m happy he (Sasaki) is going to come to the United States. I have a personal favorite, but I can’t go that way as ambassador. You can read the bubble above my head, what it’s saying — but I’m not saying it.”

As for Imanaga, he also chose to maintain his silence on the subject at hand.