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

The Cubs and Imanaga each declined their options on a complicated contract, sending the pitcher onto the market

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.

The Chicago Cubs are now in need of some starting pitching help after the franchise and their fan favorite left-hander, Shota Imanaga, are going different ways.

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.

AL East powerhouse linked to Shota Imanaga after the Cubs decline his club option, sparking major trade buzz around the star left-hander

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.