Reports: Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga becomes free agent

Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga is set for free agency after four seasons in Chicago.

The Cubs declined a team option worth $54 million over the next three years and Imanaga opted out of a $15 million player option for 2026, ESPN reported Tuesday. Free agency begins Thursday.

In two seasons with the Cubs, Imanaga had a 24-11 record with 291 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.28 in 54 games (all starts).

In the recently completed season, the 32-year-old posted a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA over 144 2/3 innings in 25 starts.

He was 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA and 174 strikeouts as a rookie in 2024.

Imanaga spent eight seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball league before posting to leave for Major League Baseball. He had an ERA of 3.18 and averaged more than one strikeout per inning.