Watching Tuesday’s early morning sports debate shows for news on the NFL trade deadline proved to be an exercise in boredom. Unlike the annual MLB trade deadline, the lack of trade rumors or frenzied reports from analysts back in the New York-area studios made it seem like just another ordinary day in the NFL.

Shota Imanaga is now a free agent after a series of contract decisions initiated by the Chicago Cubs, league sources confirmed Tuesday, leaving the Japanese pitcher to weigh his future options.

The Chicago Cubs came into the offseason in desperate need of pitching. But their massive roster void recently got even worse. After the Cubs opted against pick

Shota Imanaga burst onto the scene as a Major League rookie two seasons ago, winning over Cubs fans and teammates quickly with both his fun personality and dominant performances. A rockier showing this year forced the team’s front office to consider the best path forward with the pitcher.

A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that left-hander Shoto Imanaga became eligible for free agency when the Chicago Cubs declined an option to keep his contract by guaranteeing $57 million for the 2026-28 seasons and he turned down a $15.

Chicago Cubs president Jed Hoyer shared a strong message about Shota Imanaga that's turning heads in the wake of their mutual decision to part ways.