Shota Imanaga is back on the market after his surprising split from the Chicago Cubs. Both Imanaga and the Cubs declined to exercise contract options, opening the door for his free agency.
Imanaga joined the Cubs two years ago, signing a four-year, $53 million deal after impressing in Japan with the Yokohama DeNa BayStars. He gained attention for his stellar performance during Japan’s triumphant 2023 World Baseball Classic run.
In his first season in the majors, Imanaga shined with a 15-3 record, a 2.91 ERA, and 174 strikeouts across 29 starts. He earned an All-Star honor and finished fifth in the Cy Young voting.
Unfortunately, his second season was marred by a hamstring injury that limited his effectiveness. He ended with a 3.73 ERA over 25 starts, but struggled in the latter part of the season, with a 5.17 ERA in his final 12 outings. He allowed 20 home runs during that stretch.
In the postseason, Imanaga faced further challenges, giving up three homers in just 6 ⅔ innings as the Cubs were eliminated by the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS. Despite these setbacks, at only 32, he is expected to attract interest from teams looking to strengthen their pitching for the 2026 season.
According to recent statistics, starting pitchers are in high demand, especially for teams with championship hopes. It’s becoming increasingly common for clubs to seek experienced arms to bolster their rotations. As teams analyze data on player performance and injuries, Imanaga’s previous success could make him a valuable asset in the upcoming free agency.
Many fans are buzzing about Imanaga’s potential as he navigates this new chapter in his career. Social media is rife with speculation about which teams might be vying for his services, showcasing the excitement surrounding his free agency.
As Imanaga embarks on this journey, he will certainly be a player to watch in the coming months.
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