Emotional Shock: Imanaga Leaves Cubs, Pete Crow-Armstrong Reveals “It Sucks” to Lose Teammates.vc
“That’s the harsh reality,” the Cubs’ young star shared in an emotional interview about roster turnover, as the team’s ace and “spiritual soul,” Shota Imanaga, officially departs Wrigley Field.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs fan community has just experienced a true emotional shock. Shota Imanaga, the ace pitcher and one of the most beloved players at Wrigley Field, has officially become a free agent, kicking off a volatile offseason for the team.
The departure is not just a professional loss but a significant blow to the clubhouse. No one articulated this better than young star Pete Crow-Armstrong.
The move was confirmed after both the Cubs and Imanaga declined their respective contract options. The Cubs declined a three-year, $57 million option, and Imanaga subsequently declined his one-year, $15 million player option. Although the Cubs extended the $22 million qualifying offer, Imanaga is expected to decline it to seek a larger contract on the open market.
“It Sucks”: Crow-Armstrong’s Reaction
In an emotional interview just after the Cubs’ 2025 season ended (following their NLDS Game 5 loss), Crow-Armstrong couldn’t hold back tears when discussing the possibility of the roster breaking up. His words have become even more profound with the confirmed departure of Imanaga.
“That’s the harsh reality,” Crow-Armstrong said, his voice breaking. “That’ll be the hardest part moving forward, is understanding that those same faces might not be here next year, and that sucks.”
While PCA’s comments were about the roster turnover in general, losing a pillar like Imanaga is the very embodiment of the “suck” that he and his teammates are now facing.
Not Just a Teammate, But the “Soul”
Shota Imanaga, with his powerful throwing style and professional spirit, has been a “pillar” and the “spiritual soul” of the Cubs clubhouse since he arrived.
Even President Jed Hoyer, who made the difficult business decision, acknowledged Imanaga’s impact.
“Not only his contributions for us, he was just a great teammate, a great asset to the organization,” Hoyer said.
For young players like Crow-Armstrong, Imanaga was also a “teacher, a brother.” His departure doesn’t just leave a hole in the pitching rotation; it’s an emotional shock to the teammates who fought alongside him.
Why Did the Cubs Let Him Go?
The Cubs’ strategic decision came after Imanaga, 32, struggled significantly in the final six weeks of the 2025 season. He posted a 5.97 ERA and allowed 12 home runs over his last six starts, and his struggles continued into the postseason.
The Cubs were unwilling to commit $57 million over the next three years to a pitcher showing signs of decline.
Imanaga’s departure, along with Crow-Armstrong’s tears, is a reminder that baseball isn’t just about numbers or contracts. It’s about love, loyalty, and the bond in the locker room.
The hashtag #FarewellImanaga quickly went viral. And Pete Crow-Armstrong, along with his teammates, will have to carry that spirit and those lessons forward on their journey at Wrigley Field.
