Imagine a star pitcher, fresh off an All-Star season, suddenly hitting free agency after a shocking turn of events. That's exactly what's happening with Shota Imanaga, leaving baseball fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. But here's where it gets controversial: the Chicago Cubs, after a stellar 2024 campaign where Imanaga posted a 2.91 ERA and a 25.1% strikeout rate, shockingly declined their three-year, $57 million option on the left-hander. This unexpected move led Imanaga to decline his own $15 million player option for 2026, thrusting him into the free-agent market.
Imanaga's 2024 performance was nothing short of impressive, earning him not only an All-Star nod but also a fifth-place finish in National League Cy Young Award voting. However, the Cubs' decision seems to stem from a noticeable decline in his performance during the 2025 season. His FIP soared to 4.86, and his strikeout rate dipped to 20.6%, culminating in a disappointing 8.07 ERA over his last four starts. Chicago lost each of those games, raising questions about Imanaga's durability and future potential. And this is the part most people miss: despite his struggles, Imanaga's track record and potential upside could still make him an attractive option for teams in need of starting pitching.
ESPN's Jesse Rogers reports that the Cubs haven't yet decided whether to extend a qualifying offer, which would either secure draft compensation or retain Imanaga at a significantly lower salary. Either way, this development is sure to spark interest across the league, particularly from teams like the Boston Red Sox, who were previously in the running for Imanaga's services. Back in 2024, when Imanaga was posted by Nippon Professional Baseball’s Yokohama BayStars, Boston was one of four finalists, alongside the Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Angels. The Red Sox ultimately lost out after offering only a two-year deal, citing medical concerns—a decision that now seems questionable given their history of signing players like Lucas Giolito, Patrick Sandoval, Liam Hendriks, and Michael Fulmer, all of whom had similar concerns.
But here's the real question: Is Imanaga's recent decline a red flag, or is he simply a seasoned veteran poised for a rebound? Teams will undoubtedly weigh his past success against his recent struggles, but one thing is certain: his free agency will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason. Will the Red Sox revisit their interest, or will another team swoop in with a compelling offer? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Imanaga worth the risk, or is his best baseball behind him? Let us know in the comments!
