Cubs Ace Set to Hit Free Agency After Declining Contract Option
The Chicago Cubs appear ready to part ways with their top pitcher following a surprising offseason development.
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, the Cubs have decided not to exercise their three-year option to extend Shota Imanaga’s contract — a deal worth just under $60 million. In response, Imanaga declined his own $15 million player option for 2026, officially opting for free agency.
The move comes as a shock to many after Imanaga’s strong tenure in Chicago, which included an outstanding rookie campaign in 2024 and a productive, though injury-affected, start to the 2025 season. With this decision, the Cubs now face the challenge of replacing the pitcher who’s served as their ace for the past two years.
Imanaga’s Dominant Run with the Cubs
In his debut 2024 MLB season, Imanaga was brilliant — posting a 2.91 ERA, 1.021 WHIP, and a 15–3 record, finishing fifth in the National League Cy Young voting.
The 2025 season began in similar fashion before a hamstring injury in May sidelined him for several weeks. Prior to the All-Star break, he recorded a 2.65 ERA, 6–3 record, and 0.93 WHIP over 68 innings, striking out 48 and walking just 16.
Second-Half Struggles Raise Questions
However, Imanaga’s dominance faded in the second half of 2025. Over 13 starts after the break, he struggled to a 4.70 ERA, giving up more hard contact despite maintaining solid control. His once-lethal splitter became inconsistent — possibly due to lingering injury effects — and his performance in the postseason only deepened concerns.
In two playoff appearances, Imanaga was hit hard, posting an 8.10 ERA and 1.50 WHIP over 6.2 innings, surrendering six runs, eight hits, and three home runs.
A Risky Decision by Chicago
Given today’s market, a $20 million annual salary for a frontline starter is considered a bargain. Chicago’s decision to walk away from that level of value indicates serious doubts about Imanaga’s long-term reliability.
The move is sure to frustrate fans, especially after watching Imanaga anchor the rotation for two seasons. Still, the front office’s decision suggests they were unwilling to gamble on a costly multi-year commitment amid concerns about his health and late-season form.
Whether this proves to be a smart long-term move or a major misstep will be revealed in time — but for now, the Cubs’ ace is officially on the open market.
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