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.

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.

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.

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.

Left-hander Shota Imanaga has become a free agent, according to a report from Jesse Rogers of ESPN. The Chicago Cubs declined their three-year, $57M club option on Imanaga’s services for 2026-28, and Imanaga subsequently declined his $15M player option for 2026.

After acquiring Andrew Kittredge in a trade from the Orioles, the Cubs have changed course on the relief pitcher.

The Cubs brought veteran righty Andrew Kittredge into the fold at the Trade Deadline this past season to add an experienced arm to the bullpen for the stretch run and playoffs. He is now headed back to Baltimore.