Shota Imanaga Declines Player Option, Becomes Free Agent After Cubs Decline Club Option

Shota Imanaga has officially become a free agent after the Chicago Cubs declined their three-year, $57 million club option, and he subsequently declined his $15.25 million player option for 2026. The 32-year-old left-hander, who signed a four-year, $54 million deal before the 2024 season, finished his Cubs tenure with a 24-11 record and a 3.28 ERA over 54 starts. His 2025 season saw a regression from his brilliant 2024 rookie year, posting a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA across 25 starts, including a 4.70 ERA in his final 13 regular-season starts and an 8.10 ERA in the postseason. Imanaga struggled with durability due to a hamstring strain and was notably susceptible to home runs, allowing at least one in his final 11 starts and finishing with a 1.93 HR/9. Despite an improved WHIP and elite strike-throwing ability, his profile is imperfect. Imanaga now enters an intriguing free-agent pitching market, while the Cubs face a significant need for starting arms.