Shota Imanaga Declares Free Agency After Cubs Decline Options

In a surprising turn of events, Shota Imanaga, the Chicago Cubs’ starting pitcher, has opted for free agency after the team declined his mutual option. This decision came just two days before the official start of free-agent signings, sending Cubs Nation into a state of concern regarding the team’s future for the 2026 season.

During a regular Tuesday morning filled with NFL trade discussions, ESPN’s breaking news highlighted Imanaga’s pivotal choice. While sports analysts often focus on the NFL, this announcement shifted attention back to Major League Baseball and stirred reactions among Cubs fans, who immediately took to social media to express their frustration. Many criticized Chairman Tom Ricketts for his spending habits and President Jed Hoyer for decision-making that seemed to signal a retreat from competitive aspirations.

Imanaga’s Rollercoaster Performance

Just a month prior, Imanaga was a focal point of discussions as the Cubs faced the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. After a shaky performance in Game 2, where he surrendered a three-run home run and was removed after just 46 pitches, fans began to question his reliability. Imanaga’s struggles continued, and he was not used in the decisive Game 5, raising eyebrows about his standing within the team.

Despite his disappointing playoff showing, Imanaga’s overall performance over the past two seasons has not gone unnoticed. He was named an All-Star in 2024 and posted a commendable combined 3.28 ERA over the two seasons. However, his tendency to give up home runs significantly marred his reputation, especially during the latter part of the 2025 season, where he averaged an alarming 2.35 home runs allowed per nine innings.

Imanaga’s decline of the Cubs’ three-year, $57 million option, which would have triggered a $15 million player option, suggests he believes he can secure a better deal elsewhere. His decision reflects a broader trend in baseball where left-handed starters are in high demand, despite recent struggles.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Imanaga?

As the offseason progresses, the Cubs will need to address their starting rotation. Options include relying on Justin Steele’s return from Tommy John surgery or promoting emerging talents such as Javier Assad, Ben Brown, or prospect Jaxon Wiggins. Whether the Cubs will extend a qualifying offer of $22 million to Imanaga remains uncertain.

Imanaga’s future will likely hinge on how teams perceive his potential despite the recent downturn in performance. Should he choose to accept the qualifying offer, he could have the opportunity to re-establish himself and potentially secure a more lucrative contract in the future.

The coming weeks will be crucial for both Imanaga and the Cubs as they navigate the offseason landscape. With a mix of uncertainty and opportunity, fans are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this evolving narrative. As discussions grow louder about the Cubs’ strategy, the question remains: will Imanaga find success in free agency, or will he return to the Cubs in a bid for redemption?