The Chicago Cubs made a pretty shocking move, rejecting their option to extend Shota Imanaga's contract out to a fifth year, therefore allowing the southpaw to opt out of the deal altogether and enter free agency, per ESPN's Jesse Rogers. All of a sudden, the Cubs' rotation, which already had a glaring need at the top, is in even worse shape.

The Chicago Cubs made a surprising choice on Tuesday by declining their club option to extend left-hander Shota Imanaga’s contract for three additional seasons, which triggered his $15 million player option for 2026 — an option he chose not to exercise,

Imanaga just finished up his second season with the Cubs after his All-Star campaign in 2024. In 25 regular season starts, the Japanese star posted a 3.73 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP over 144.2 innings pitched. He threw 117 strikeouts, while giving up 117 hits and 62 runs.

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.

CHICAGO -- Cubs left-handed starter Shota Imanaga is entering free agency, sources tell ESPN. After the team rejected an option to extend his contract out to 2028, he likewise rejected a $15 million player option for next season, triggering his ability to become a free agent.

After the Cubs declined an option in Shota Imanaga's contract, the left-hander is now set to hit the free agency market.

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong now has the hardware to back up his defensive ability. He won the first Gold Glove Award of his career Sunday, as Rawlings revealed the full slate of winners on ESPN’s selection show.