CHICAGO — In a surprising turn of events, Shota Imanaga, the Chicago Cubs’ starting pitcher, has opted for free agency after both parties declined to exercise their mutual options. This decision, announced by ESPN reporter Jesse Rogers, has sent shockwaves through the Cubs fan base just days before the official start of free-agent signings for the 2026 MLB season.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their concerns regarding the Cubs’ management, particularly targeting Chairman Tom Ricketts and President Jed Hoyer. Many are questioning the team’s commitment to competitive spending and the future direction of the franchise, especially in light of Imanaga’s unexpected decision.
Imanaga’s Rollercoaster Performance
Imanaga’s journey with the Cubs has been tumultuous. Earlier in the season, he was viewed as a crucial asset, particularly during the playoffs. However, his performance in the National League Division Series (NLDS) raised doubts. In Game 2 against the Milwaukee Brewers, he surrendered a three-run homer just after the Cubs had secured a 3-0 lead, ultimately leading to a 7-3 loss. “I ruined the game,” Imanaga lamented after the match, reflecting on his struggles.
Despite these setbacks, Imanaga had shown promise throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, being named an All-Star in 2024. His combined 3.28 ERA ranked him 13th among pitchers with over 300 innings pitched. However, his late-season form raised alarms, as he allowed an alarming average of 2.35 home runs per nine innings in the second half of 2025, significantly impacting his overall performance.
Future Prospects for Imanaga and the Cubs
With Imanaga now a free agent, questions arise regarding his next steps. The Cubs are expected to extend a $22 million qualifying offer to him for draft-pick compensation, which could keep the door open for his return. Yet, with the team seemingly hesitant to invest in him long-term, Imanaga may find more favorable opportunities elsewhere. He is among a list of left-handed starters who could attract interest from multiple teams.
As the Cubs navigate their offseason strategy, they must determine whether to pursue another free-agent starter or rely on current pitchers like Justin Steele, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Options also include Javier Assad and prospect Jaxon Wiggins to fill the rotation for the upcoming season.
The offseason is poised to be a pivotal time for the Cubs. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team will respond to this latest development in a season filled with ups and downs. The fate of Shota Imanaga remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: both he and the Cubs are at a crossroads, with significant decisions looming ahead.
