As a rookie, Imanaga took the league by storm, posting a 2.91 ERA over 173 1/3 innings and earning down-ballot Cy Young votes.

By the time the Cubs reached the National League Division Series, manager Craig Counsell’s options for his rotation were limited. Rookie Cade Horton was out with an injury, Shota Imanaga was struggling and a few other arms were in the bullpen.

AL East powerhouse linked to Shota Imanaga after the Cubs decline his club option, sparking major trade buzz around the star left-hander

The Reds are facing free agent decisions on several of their own pitchers: Zack Littell, Nick Martinez, Emilio Pagán, and Wade Miley. Tony Santillan, Graham Ashcraft and Connor Phillips are their top returning leverage relievers.

A person familiar with the decision tells The Associated Press that left-hander Shoto Imanaga became eligible for free agency when the Chicago Cubs declined an option to keep his contract by guaranteeing $57 million for the 2026-28 seasons and he turned down a $15.

The Cubs are going to need to overhaul their bullpen this winter after trading Andrew Kittredge to the Orioles yesterday

Shota Imanaga is now a free agent after a series of contract decisions initiated by the Chicago Cubs, league sources confirmed Tuesday, leaving the Japanese pitcher to weigh his future options.

The Chicago Cubs have until Thursday to extend left-hander Shota Imanaga a $22.025 million qualifying offer for 2026.