THE “POSTING” ERA ENDS: Shota Imanaga Becomes Free Agent After Complex Contract Decision.vc
A SURPRISE DEPARTURE: THE ACE-SHAPED HOLE IN WRIGLEY
CHICAGO, IL—The “Shota Imanaga Experience” in Chicago has officially reached its first major crossroad. On November 4, 2025, the Chicago Cubs and Shota Imanaga officially parted ways—at least on paper—as the left-hander opted out of his contract to test the open market.
While Imanaga was a cornerstone of the Cubs’ 2025 campaign, finishing with 15 wins and a 3.73 ERA, the conclusion of his season was marked by a complex contractual dance that left many fans stunned.
THE CONTRACT CHESS MATCH
The decision wasn’t a standard opt-out. It was the result of a multi-layered contract signed back in January 2024:
- The Team’s Choice: The Cubs held a three-year, $57 million club option to extend Imanaga through 2028. Surprisingly, the front office declined this option.
- The Player’s Choice: Once the team declined, it triggered a $15 million player option for the 2026 season. Imanaga and his representation chose to decline this as well, choosing to seek a more lucrative, long-term deal in free agency.
- The Qualifying Offer: On November 18, 2025, in a final attempt to retain him or gain compensation, the Cubs extended a $22.2 million Qualifying Offer (QO). To the relief of many, Imanaga accepted the QO, effectively locking him into a one-year deal for 2026 while both sides continue to discuss a longer reunion.
“HE MADE YOU PROUD”: DANSBY SWANSON’S LEADERSHIP VOICE
The emotional core of this transition was captured by Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson. As the clubhouse leader, Swanson’s relationship with Imanaga has been documented since Spring Training 2024, when Swanson famously told the rookie that “Pressure is a privilege.”
“He wasn’t just our ace,” Swanson told reporters during the uncertainty of the opt-out period. “He was the kind of teammate who made you proud to wear the same jersey. He wants to be a part of something bigger than himself, and he’s shown that every time he takes the ball.”
2025 PERFORMANCE VS. 2026 EXPECTATIONS
While Imanaga’s 2024 was “sensational,” his 2025 was a tale of two halves.
| Phase | ERA / WHIP | The Turning Point |
| First 8 Starts | 2.82 / 1.01 | Looked like a front-runner for the Cy Young. |
| Mid-Season Injury | — | Missed 6 weeks with a hamstring strain. |
| Post-Injury (100 IP) | 4.14 / 1.15 | Struggled with home runs and a drop in fastball velocity. |
| Final 2025 Line | 3.73 ERA / 117 K | Still the Cubs’ most reliable starter despite the late-season slide. |
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NORTH SIDE?
By accepting the $22.2M Qualifying Offer, Imanaga will return as the anchor of a 2026 rotation that currently looks as follows:
- Shota Imanaga (LHP)
- Jameson Taillon (RHP)
- Justin Steele (LHP – Returning from injury)
- Cade Horton (RHP – Top Prospect)
- Matthew Boyd (LHP)
The Cubs are still reportedly hunting for a “Frontline 1-2 Punch” partner for Shota, with rumors swirling around a potential trade for Edward Cabrera or a pursuit of Dylan Cease.
