CHICAGO -- Cubs left-handed starter Shota Imanaga is entering free agency, sources told ESPN.

After the team rejected an option to extend his contract out to 2028, he likewise rejected a $15 million player option for next season, triggering his ability to become a free agent.

The Cubs can still extend him a qualifying offer for 2026. If he rejects that and signs elsewhere, the team will be due draft pick compensation. The decision by the Cubs on the qualifying offer has to come by the end of the week.

Imanaga, 32, was 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts last season but faltered down the stretch. He had a 6.51 ERA in September and was passed over to start Game 5 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers , eventually warming up in the bullpen but never getting into the game.

Imanaga bur

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