Reports: Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga becomes free agent
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) pitches to Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras (24) during the first inning of the National League Division Series game at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Oct. 6, 2025. Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga is set for free agency after four seasons in Chicago.
The Cubs declined a team option worth $54 million over the next three years and Imanaga opted out of a $15 million player option for 2026, ESPN reported Tuesday. Free agency begins Thursday.
In two seasons with the Cubs, Imanaga had a 24-11 record with 291 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.28 in 54 games (all starts).
In the recently completed season, the 32-year-old posted a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA over 144 2/3 innings in 25 starts.
He was 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 174 strikeouts as a rookie in 2024.
Imanaga spent eight seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball league before posting to leave for Major League Baseball. He had an ERA of 3.18 and averaged more than one strikeout per inning.
--Field Level Media
Cleveland Browns Need To Move on From Deshaun Watson Era
Duke’s Collapse vs UConn Adds to Troubling March Pattern
NBA Best Bets Today: Top Betting Picks for Monday March 30th
Why Illinois Is the Most Dangerous Team in the Final Four
Tiger Woods’ Legacy at a Crossroads After Latest DUI Arrest
- Top NBA Bets Today: Expert Picks for March 29 Slate
- UFC Seattle Predictions: Adesanya vs Pyfer Main Event Betting Picks and More
- Arizona vs Purdue Elite 8 March Madness Betting Picks, Prediction
- NBA Picks for March 27: Best Bets for Friday Night Slate
- Why St. John's Can Cover Sweet 16 Spread Against Duke
- MLB Best Betting Picks for Friday March 27th Slate
- Three Sweet 16 Teams To Avoid Betting in March Madness This Weekend
