jesse rogers
Chicago-Cubs left-handed starter shota imanaga Is entering free agency, sources tell ESPN.
After the team declined the option to extend his contract through 2028, he also declined a $15 million player option for the following season, triggering his ability to become a free agent.
The Cubs can still offer him a qualifying offer for 2026. If he rejects him and signs elsewhere, the team will have to pay draft pick compensation. A decision by the Cubs on the qualifying offer is due by the end of the week.
The 32-year-old Imanaga was 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA in 25 games last season, but faltered down the stretch. He had a 6.51 ERA in September and was passed over to start Game 5 of the NLDS. milwaukee brewersUltimately practicing in the bullpen but never appearing in a game.
Imanaga burst onto the MLB scene in 2024 after signing an initial four-year deal with the Cubs. He was 15–3 with a 2.91 ERA in 2024, while featuring a unique rising fastball and deceptive splitter. But as the batsmen got to see him more, he became less effective. A fly ball pitcher, he gave up 58 home runs in his two seasons with the Cubs – both of which had the wind blowing more inside Wrigley Field than outside.
Imanaga worked in NPB for eight seasons before signing with the Cubs. His initial contract was for four years, worth $53 million, which included a club option to extend the deal to five years after the previous season, and an $80 million club option. This increased his ability to accept a $15 million option for 2026, which would have given him a raise over last season. By rejecting it, he could look for a long-term contract with another club.
The Cubs also began remaking their bullpen on Tuesday, trading right-hander Andrew Kittredge back to the Orioles for cash consideration.
