"CHICAGO -- Cubs left-handed starter Shota Imanaga is entering free agency, sources tell ESPN. After the team rejected an option to extend his contract out to 2028, he likewise rejected a $15 million player option for next season, triggering his ability to become a free agent. The Cubs can still extend him a qualifying offer for 2026. If he rejects that and signs elsewhere, the team will be due draft pick compensation."
"Imanaga, 32, was 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts 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 against the Milwaukee Brewers, eventually warming up in the bullpen but never getting into the game. Imanaga burst onto the MLB scene in 2024 after signing an initial 4-year deal with the Cubs. He was 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 2024."
"But as hitters got to see him more, he wasn't as effective. A fly ball pitcher, he gave up 58 home runs in his two seasons with the Cubs -- both of which saw the wind blowing in at Wrigley Field more than out. Imanaga pitched in the NPB for eight seasons before signing with the Cubs. His initial contract was for four years worth $53 million which included a club option after this past season to extend the deal to five years"
Shota Imanaga is entering free agency after declining a $15 million player option and after the Cubs rejected a club option that would have extended his deal. He went 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts but struggled late, posting a 6.51 ERA in September and not appearing in Game 5 of the NLDS. Imanaga dominated in 2024 at 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA after signing from NPB, but hitters adjusted and he surrendered 58 homers across two seasons at Wrigley Field. Declining the option allows him to pursue a longer-term contract elsewhere.
Read at ESPN.com
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