Cubs Decline Shōta Imanaga Option, Making Him a Free Agent
Shōta Imanaga, a Japanese left-handed pitcher, has become a free agent following the Chicago Cubs’ decision to decline his contract option. This marks a significant shift for Imanaga, who had a promising start to his tenure with the Cubs.
Imanaga’s Performance with the Cubs
During his first season and a half in Chicago, Imanaga distinguished himself as one of the National League’s better pitchers. His accolades include:
- 2024 All-Star selection
- Fourth place in Rookie of the Year voting
- Fifth place in Cy Young voting
Despite his strong performance, Imanaga faced challenges due to a hamstring injury that sidelined him for several weeks during May and June. Upon returning, he showed flashes of his former self, but his performance deteriorated significantly by the end of the season.
Struggles in the Second Half
Following a rough outing against the Chicago White Sox on July 27, Imanaga’s last 12 starts reflected a troubling downturn. He recorded a:
- 5.17 ERA
- Allowed 20 home runs in 69.2 innings
His postseason appearances were similarly underwhelming, as he surrendered three home runs in just 6.2 innings across two starts.
Future Prospects for Imanaga
Despite the unexpected decision to decline Imanaga’s option, there remains speculation about his future with the Cubs. Management may pursue a longer-term agreement outside of the previously structured option years.
It is likely that the Cubs will extend a qualifying offer for the 2026 season, estimated at $22.025 million. This amount is notably higher than what Imanaga would have earned under the declined option.
Contract Negotiations and No-Trade Clause
The rejection of Imanaga’s team option could also be attributed to its potential to trigger a full no-trade clause. Such clauses can limit a team’s flexibility in player transactions. Future negotiations may focus on addressing these aspects.
In summary, while the Cubs’ decision is surprising, it opens the door for new opportunities for Shōta Imanaga as he navigates free agency. The coming months will be crucial in determining his next steps in professional baseball.
