Cubs’ “Nightmare Scenario”: Rival Cardinals Emerge as “Perfect Fit” for Free Agent Shota Imanaga.vc
As the Cubs’ former ace hits the market, St. Louis has been named a top contender, prompting a pragmatic response from Cubs President Jed Hoyer on the painful possibility.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs are facing a tense situation as Shota Imanaga, their former All-Star ace, officially hits free agency after declining his player option. While many fans hoped for a return, a “nightmare scenario” is emerging: the St. Louis Cardinals have become a “real contender” for his services.
According to Chris Landers of FanSided, the Cardinals are a “perfect fit” for Imanaga as they enter a “retooling” phase under new President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom.
Landers argues that the Cardinals, who don’t figure to be “major players” for the most expensive free agents, need a reliable pitcher who can eat innings without breaking the bank.
“Someone’s going to have to eat up innings, and Imanaga would fit well in one of the friendlier ballparks around for fly-ball pitchers,” Landers wrote.
Imanaga’s 2025 season was a slight step back from his stellar 2024 rookie campaign, but he remained a consistent presence. He finished with a 9-8 record, a 3.73 ERA, and 117 strikeouts in 144.2 innings. That stability is exactly what the Cardinals’ new front office is looking for.
Cubs Acknowledge the “Sting”
For the Cubs, the idea of their former ace—and a clubhouse leader—playing for their division rival is especially painful.
Cubs President Jed Hoyer acknowledged the potential loss but emphasized the team’s need to focus on its own future.
“Losing Imanaga to a rival would sting, but we understand the business side,” Hoyer said. “We’ve had great success with him, and we hope he finds the best fit for his career. That said, we’re focused on building our future and will continue to strengthen our rotation with or without him.”
While the Cubs are likely to make a push to bring him back, the team is also prepared to move on if the price isn’t right.
If Imanaga does land in St. Louis, it would add significant fuel to an already heated rivalry—a tough blow that Cubs fans won’t easily forget as the Cardinals look to retool and push for contention.
