Kamil Krzaczynski - USA Today Sports
Shota Imanaga opts for free agency after Cubs decline option |
Tony Crumpton
· · 5 hours ago
It appears that "Sho-time" is over.
Big news out of Chicago — starting pitcher Shota Imanaga is officially a free agent, according to multiple reports first shared by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. The Cubs declined their option to extend Imanaga’s contract to a fifth year, which triggered his 2026 player option. Imanaga then opted to decline that option, making him a free agent. Imanaga struggled down the stretch in 2025, posting a 5.42 ERA and surrendering 24 home runs over his final 14 appearances. His postseason woes continued, finishing with an 8.10 ERA across 6.2 innings.
