Left-hander Shota Imanaga has officially entered free agency following the Chicago Cubs' decision to decline an option to guarantee his contract for the 2026-28 seasons. According to a person familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Cubs opted not to secure his contract by committing to $57 million, while Imanaga also rejected a $15.25 million option for the 2026 season.
Imanaga's journey with the Cubs began in January 2024 when he agreed to a contract that guaranteed $53 million. Over the course of two seasons, he earned $23.25 million, which included a $250,000 escalation for the 2025 season due to his impressive performance in the 2024 MLB season, where he finished fourth in the voting for the prestigious NL Cy Young Award.
This week, the Cubs faced a critical decision regarding Imanaga's contract options for 2026, 2027, and 2028. The figures stipulated were $20.25 million for each of the first two years and $17.25 million for 2028, with potential increases of $250,000 for each year based on performance escalators. After the team declined the option, it placed the ball in Imanaga's court, giving him the chance to exercise his own option for 2026. Should he have chosen to do so, it would have triggered additional club options for $24.25 million in 2027 and $15.25 million in 2028.
Despite the current situation, the Cubs still hold the possibility of extending Imanaga a qualifying offer of $22,025,000 for the 2026 season. If he chooses to decline this offer and signs a contract with another team before the amateur draft, the Cubs would be entitled to receive a draft pick as compensation.
Throughout his tenure with the Cubs, Imanaga showcased his skills as a top-tier pitcher. At the age of 32, he earned recognition as an All-Star in 2024, achieving an impressive record of 15 wins and 3 losses, coupled with a 2.91 ERA. He also finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting that year, highlighting his significant contributions to the team. In the 2025 season, however, he faced challenges, ending with a record of 9 wins and 8 losses alongside a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts. His performance was hampered by a strained left hamstring that sidelined him for over a month, from May 24 to June 26.
With Imanaga now entering free agency, the direction of his career remains uncertain, yet his past performances suggest he will be a valuable asset to any team looking to bolster their pitching staff. The Cubs will now await further developments, hoping to capitalize on Imanaga's potential through a qualifying offer or other means as they explore their options moving forward.
