"The Cubs broke through this year with a 92-win season, their highest total since 2018. They reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and won a playoff game and series for the first time since 2017. After the Cubs lost Game 5 of the division series to the Brewers with a "bullpen game" pitching approach, fans couldn't help but wonder if the team could have gone further with a healthy Cade Horton and/or Justin Steele."
"Imanaga, 32, was a rousing success last year as an MLB rookie. He made the All-Star team and garnered Cy Young and Rookie of the Year votes, posting a 2.91 ERA in 173 1/3 innings. After eight starts this year, Imanaga suffered a strained left hamstring that knocked him out for 53 days. On the season, Imanaga's control remained excellent, but his average fastball velocity slipped below 91 miles per hour."
The Cubs finished with 92 wins, reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020, and won a playoff series for the first time since 2017. A bullpen-game approach in Game 5 against the Brewers prompted questions about starting depth and whether a healthy Cade Horton or Justin Steele could have extended the run. Shota Imanaga produced a 2.91 ERA as a rookie but suffered a strained hamstring this season; his velocity and strikeout rate declined while his home-run rate was high. Several significant contract options and club decisions loom, and payroll clarity after 2026 creates room for a major rotation addition.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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