In a surprising move, Shota Imanaga is a free agent after the Chicago Cubs declined an option to extend the former All-Star pitcher’s contract through 2028. The Cubs can still extend a qualifying offer to Imanaga.
Imanaga is coming off a 2025 season in which he went 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts, posting a 0.988 WHIP, 103 ERA+, 4.86 FIP and 1.5 bWAR. He faltered in September with a 6.51 ERA and gave up six earned runs in 6 2/3 innings across two playoff games (one start). Imanaga also proved prone to giving up the long ball, allowing 58 home runs in two seasons with the Cubs.
Despite the rough ending, Imanaga will be one of the top free-agent pitchers on the market. Here are five landing spots for the left-hander.
New York Mets
The New York Mets need to fix a rotation that collapsed in the second half and finished the year ranked 20th in ERA (4.13). They have a future ace in Nolan McLean, and if Kodai Senga can return to his All-Star form, Imanaga would be a solid middle-of-the-rotation arm the Mets need.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have a No. 1 starter in southpaw Garrett Crochet, an American League Cy Young finalist, but injuries ravaged the rotation in 2025. With Lucas Giolito declining his mutual option, they have an opening for another veteran like Imanaga.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres have two rotation spots to fill for 2026 with Dylan Cease and Michael King entering free agency. Joe Musgrove is expected to return after missing all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery, but his effectiveness remains uncertain. Adding Imanaga could help stabilize a rotation behind Nick Pivetta and Yu Darvish.
Arizona Diamondbacks
With Zac Gallen a free agent and Merrill Kelly traded at the deadline, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be shopping for pitchers this winter. They currently have just three starters under contract. Imanaga would provide the depth they desperately need as they look to get back to the postseason for the first time since 2023.
Houston Astros
If Framber Valdez leaves Houston in free agency, the Astros will have a hole they can plug with another lefty in Imanaga. The 2024 All-Star would also come at a lower price tag than Valdez.
