Shota Imanaga will be returning to the Cubs, as The Athletic's Patrick Mooney reports that the left-hander has accepted the team's one-year, $22.025MM qualifying offer. The surprising decision means that Imanaga stays put after his time in Wrigleyville seemed to be over, following a series of declined contract options on the part of the Cubs and Imanaga himself. The four-year, $53MM deal that Imanaga signed with Chicago in January 2024 guaranteed Imanaga $23MM over the first two seasons,
Fans may recall that the Toronto Blue Jays signed Walker in mid-December last winter, adding another name to the bullpen mix heading into the new season. He didn't crack the big league roster out of Spring Training and was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Walker would be recalled on April 21st, making three appearances. The New York product would allow eight hits, four earned runs, and two walks across five innings of work, striking out eight hitters.
Well the offseason has officially begun and we will see decisions on a bunch of player and team options in the next five days, as well as likely a managerial hire and some roster churn. Mark Bowman seemingly reported that Pierce Johnson and Tyler Kinley's team options would be picked up, which both seemed likely but not guaranteed, while casting a little doubt on Albies' option, not to suggest that Ozzie is unlikely to return, however.
"Not even thinking about that at all right now. Thinking about the game that just happened," Bregman told reporters. " I'm gonna think about this game and the guys in the room and start my offseason. Get after it and become a better baseball player."
Finney-Smith represented a change of identity to the Lakers upon his arrival. Given how highly he spoke of him, he also represents the style of basketball head coach JJ Redick wants to play.
