Shota Imanaga Opts for Free Agency After Cubs Decline Options

The future of pitcher Shota Imanaga has taken a significant turn as he opted for free agency after the Chicago Cubs declined to exercise their mutual options. This decision arrives just ahead of the official free-agent signing period, sending Cubs fans into a frenzy as they grapple with the implications for the 2026 season.

Imanaga’s exit from the Cubs was announced on ESPN’s “First Take” during the highly anticipated NFL trade deadline coverage. The news overshadowed the NFL’s usual trading excitement, highlighting the stark contrast between the two leagues. As Imanaga’s announcement broke, the baseball community quickly shifted focus from NFL trades to the implications of the Cubs’ decision.

Fans took to social media expressing their frustration with Chairman Tom Ricketts and President Jed Hoyer. Many questioned the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster, especially with Imanaga’s potential loss. Just weeks prior, there was concern about whether Imanaga would start in pivotal playoff games, reflecting the rapid changes in sentiment towards the pitcher.

Looking back, Imanaga had a tumultuous playoff run in the 2025 National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. In Game 2, he surrendered a three-run home run shortly after the Cubs provided him with a 3-0 lead, resulting in an early exit. Following this performance, Cubs manager Craig Counsell opted not to start Imanaga in the decisive Game 5, further diminishing the pitcher’s standing within the organization.

After the Cubs tied the series at Wrigley Field, Imanaga was left warming up in the bullpen as a decoy while reliever Drew Pomeranz took the mound. His inability to earn the trust of the coaching staff in a critical moment raised questions about his future with the team. Imanaga acknowledged feelings of inadequacy, stating, “I felt like I didn’t have enough skills there. Hopefully, I want to improve my skills so I have the trust to throw not necessarily short innings, but give us long innings.”

Despite his struggles at the end of the season, Imanaga’s overall performance in the 2024 and 2025 seasons was commendable. He achieved an All-Star selection in 2024 and maintained a combined 3.28 ERA, ranking him 13th among pitchers with over 300 innings pitched. This suggests a sound decision in opting for free agency rather than accepting the Cubs’ offer of a three-year, $57 million contract, which would have triggered a one-year option Imanaga was likely to decline.

Nevertheless, a significant concern regarding Imanaga’s performance remains his tendency to give up home runs. He ranked second to last among starters with an alarming average of 1.64 home runs allowed per nine innings over the two-year period. This statistic worsened in the second half of 2025, where his average surged to 2.35 homers per nine innings, raising red flags for potential suitors.

The Cubs, recognizing Imanaga’s potential but also his shortcomings, are expected to extend a $22 million qualifying offer for draft-pick compensation, potentially allowing for a return if both parties can negotiate a new deal. However, the lack of trust displayed during the playoffs may signal to Imanaga that a fresh start with a different team could be beneficial.

As the offseason progresses, questions loom about the Cubs’ strategy moving forward. Will Hoyer seek a replacement for Imanaga among the free-agent starters, or will they rely on returning players such as Justin Steele, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery? The organization may also consider prospects like Javier Assad or Ben Brown to fill the rotation for the upcoming season.

While Imanaga’s path ahead is uncertain, his potential in free agency remains. He may find opportunities with teams looking to bolster their pitching lineups despite the challenges of recent performances. The offseason buzz is already beginning to build as fans anticipate changes, including whether the Marquee Sports Network will need to update promotional material featuring Imanaga’s cheerful rendition of “Go Cubs Go.”

As the baseball world awaits further developments, the impending free agency of Shota Imanaga will remain a focal point for Cubs fans and the broader baseball community.