"Michael King signing with the Padres on Thursday removed one of the best arms on the free agent market, and the Cubs had been linked to him dating back to last offseason. He opted to sign a three-year deal with two opt-outs, similar to the deal Alex Bregman signed with the Red Sox a year ago. The Cubs are fine with giving opt-outs, just not after the first year, so that type of structure doesn't make sense for their current trajectory."
"There could easily be more to the story, but it doesn't appear as though the Yankees are putting their max effort into signing Imai. Hoyer has made it a point to ensure that the Cubs have a good reputation in Japan, setting them up to land big free agents coming over from NBP. Although Imai's game will need to be developed in an MLB pitching lab, there is no better place to do that than in Chicago."
The Cubs made starting pitching the top offseason priority and pursued nearly every available option. Michael King signed a three-year deal with the Padres that included two opt-outs, a structure the Cubs are unwilling to accept when opt-outs occur after the first year. Tatsuya Imai emerged as the most realistic free-agent starter, with reports naming the Cubs and Yankees as favorites before his posting window closes on January 2. The Yankees have not had a meeting with Imai and do not have one scheduled. The Cubs have cultivated a strong reputation in Japan and remain open to trade alternatives, exemplified by the Orioles acquiring Shane Baz, a former top prospect who has battled health and consistency issues.
Read at Cubsinsider
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