In shocking Cubs news, starting pitcher Shota Imanaga is now a free agent, ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported on Tuesday.
Chicago chose to not pick up his option for a fifth season, and then Imanaga declined his $15 million player option. It was originally expected for Imanaga to remain in Chicago.
The Cubs could still keep Imanaga if the team decides to pick up his qualifying offer, which is $22 million for the 2026 season. If the team doesn’t choose to elect the qualifying offer, then Imanaga will officially become a free agent.
Imanaga just finished up his second season with the Cubs after his All-Star campaign in 2024. In 25 regular season starts, the Japanese star posted a 3.73 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over 144.2 innings pitched. He threw 117 strikeouts, while giving up 117 hits and 62 runs.
The ace made his postseason debut this year during the Cubs’ division series run. Imanaga started one game and appeared in another, posting a 8.10 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. He threw six strikeouts and gave up eight hits and six runs.
The Cubs will now look to fill Imanaga’s spot in the starting lineup for the 2026 season. And, quite a few teams looking for a pretty strong starter will show interest in Imanaga in return.
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