Shota Imanaga is seeking a three-year contract; MLB veteran analyst: the competition will be extremely fierce

The MLB recently concluded one of its most thrilling seasons in recent years, breaking multiple viewership records, and the free agent market has now entered a new phase of activity. After the Chicago Cubs declined to exercise the option to extend Shota Imanaga’s contract through 2028, the Japanese pitcher officially rejected his 2026 player option today and became a free agent.

Veteran MLB analyst Jon Morosi explained in an interview that this move highlights two key points: "First, the Cubs believe there are more diverse options available on the current free agent market, allowing for more flexible use of their budget. Originally, Imanaga’s option was valued at $40 million over two years. The team feels that this money might be better spent strengthening the roster either through trades or free agency. Second, from Imanaga’s camp perspective, they are confident that with a full offseason to adjust, the issues that affected his performance in the second half of the season can be resolved. His struggles in the latter half were likely due to returning too soon from a leg injury, which impacted his velocity and consistency. Therefore, his team believes that after proper rest and training, he can return to the level he showed in the first half of 2024. So currently, there is a possibility he will seek a new two- to three-year contract.”

Imanaga had an impressive debut season with the Cubs, appearing in 29 games and achieving a 15-3 record with a 2.91 ERA. However, in the 2025 season, a thigh muscle strain affected his second-half performance, leading to a decline in statistics and surrendering three home runs in just two playoff appearances. Both the team and player have their own considerations. According to foreign media reports, the Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to join the bidding. The Red Sox and Giants are obvious contenders, while the Dodgers, with their salary structure allowing multiple deferred payments, still have the capacity to sign a pitcher with a roughly $20 million annual salary, which fits Imanaga’s market value. The Dodgers might indeed be building a Japanese national team, especially considering several Japanese NPB superstars are set to enter MLB in the offseason.

“Japanese NPB star Munetaka Murakami, one of the heroes of Japan’s team in the last World Baseball Classic, will challenge MLB through the Yakult Swallows’ posting system,” Jon Morosi stated, “He can play either first or third base, and Kazuma Okamoto of the Yomiuri Giants will also be making the jump.”

Whether the Los Angeles Dodgers will once again open their wallet to bring all the top Japanese NPB players under their banner, following their recent successful model, remains to be seen. After all, Kyle Tucker is also listed by analysts as a target, and other big-name free agents like Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman, and Kyle Schwarber are still waiting to be signed. Therefore, this offseason’s reshuffling of talent will surely continue to elevate the excitement of the World Series.