Cubs Decline Shōta Imanaga’s Option, Making Him a Free Agent
Shōta Imanaga is now a free agent after the Chicago Cubs declined his option. This decision has sparked discussions about the future of the talented left-handed pitcher.
Background on Shōta Imanaga
Imanaga made a significant impact during his time with the Cubs. Over his first season and a half, he emerged as one of the standout pitchers in the National League.
- Selected as an All-Star in 2024.
- Ranked fourth in the Rookie of the Year voting.
- Finished fifth in the Cy Young voting.
Injury and Performance Decline
Injuries played a role in Imanaga’s recent performance. A hamstring injury sidelined him for several weeks in May and June. Although he returned to the mound, his subsequent performance deteriorated.
- Following a challenging game against the White Sox on July 27, Imanaga’s last 12 starts featured:
- 5.17 ERA
- 20 home runs allowed in 69.2 innings
His postseason outings were also less than stellar, yielding three home runs in just 6.2 innings.
Future Prospects
Despite the decline, there may still be opportunities for Imanaga with the Cubs. The team might negotiate a different long-term deal. The franchise is expected to extend a qualifying offer of $22.025 million for the 2026 season.
- This offer exceeds his potential earnings under the declined option.
- It allows the Cubs to align most of their long-term contracts to expire after the upcoming season.
Another factor in the decision to decline the option could be the triggering of a full no-trade clause, which could also be a point of negotiation in future discussions. While the option decline came as a surprise, the future remains uncertain yet potentially promising for Shōta Imanaga.
