CHICAGO — Shota Imanaga, the left-handed pitcher for the Cubs, is now a free agent, according to sources. The Cubs decided not to extend his contract to 2028, and Imanaga, at 32, also turned down a $15 million player option for next year. This means he’s free to explore other teams.
The Cubs still have the option to make him a qualifying offer for 2026. If he decides to turn that down and signs with someone else, the Cubs could receive draft pick compensation. They have to make this decision by the end of the week.
Last season, Imanaga had a record of 9-8 and a 3.73 ERA over 25 starts, but he struggled towards the end. In September, his ERA ballooned to 6.51, and he didn’t pitch in Game 5 of the NLDS against the Brewers, though he was warming up in the bullpen.
Imanaga made a splash in 2024, his first season in Major League Baseball, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA. His unique throwing style, featuring a rising fastball and a deceptive splitter, caught hitters off guard. However, as teams faced him more often, his effectiveness dipped. He is known as a fly ball pitcher and gave up 58 home runs during his two seasons with the Cubs, despite Wrigley Field’s prevailing winds favoring pitchers in those years.
Before joining the Cubs, Imanaga spent eight seasons in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He initially signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Cubs that included an option for an additional year at $80 million. By declining the player option, he has opened the door to a potentially longer contract elsewhere.
In the current market, pitchers like Imanaga are sought after, especially given the rise in strikeouts across the league. A recent report from MLB suggests that teams are willing to invest more in pitching, often leading to lucrative contracts for free agents. Imanaga’s history and skills could land him a solid deal with another franchise. As he looks for his next opportunity, fans and analysts are excited to see where he will land next.
