CHICAGO — Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga is reportedly a free agent after the club rejected an option to extend his contract.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that the Cubs rejected their option to extend his contract to a fifth year in 2028. Because of his contract language, if that happened — it would trigger a $15 million player option for 2026 which Imanaga rejected.
The Cubs still have an option to offer a $22 million qualifying offer. If Imanaga signs elsewhere, the club will receive a draft pick.
Imanaga signed a 4-year deal out of Japan ahead of the 2024 season and had an all-star rookie season going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA.
He regressed in 2025 as giving up home runs plagued him through the year. Imanaga gave up three home runs in the postseason as the team seemed to lose confidence in him in big spots.
His comedic nature endured himself to Cubs fans right away.
No doubt the rotation will be a top offseason priority for Hoyer and company.