CHICAGO — Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga is reportedly a free agent after the club rejected an option to extend his contract.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers reported that the Cubs rejected their option to extend his contract to a fifth year in 2028. Because of his contract language, if that happened — it would trigger a $15 million player option for 2026 which Imanaga rejected.

The Cubs still have an option to offer a $22 million qualifying offer. If Imanaga signs elsewhere, the club will receive a draft pick.

Imanaga signed a 4-year deal out of Japan ahead of the 2024 season and had an all-star rookie season going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA.

He regressed in 2025 as giving up home runs plagued him through the year. Imanaga gave up three home runs in the postseason as the team seemed to lose confid

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