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2 moves the Chicago Cubs must make after losing Shota Imanaga

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Chicago Cubs, Shota Imanaga

The Chicago Cubs’ offseason began with a surprising twist, as the team chose not to exercise the option to extend Shota Imanaga’s contract to a fifth year. That decision activated a $15 million player option, which Imanaga subsequently declined, making him a free agent.

Over his two seasons in Chicago, Imanaga posted a 3.28 ERA across 54 starts and 318 innings, providing consistency and reliability in the Cubs’ rotation. Replacing him will be no easy task, but here are two moves the team must make in order to re-tool their pitching staff.

One trade and one free agent signing the Chicago Cubs must make after losing Shota Imanaga

Chicago Cubs, Shota Imanaga
Sep 14, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) reacts after the Tampa Bay Rays score during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Starting pitching depth proved vital for the Cubs in 2025. The team lost Justin Steele early in the season after he underwent a second procedure on his pitching elbow, making a slow, gradual return in 2026 the most likely scenario. Javier Assad managed only 37 innings, not making his season debut until mid-August, while Imanaga missed time with a hamstring strain. To make matters worse, Rookie of the Year finalist Cade Horton saw his promising season cut short due to injury.

That said, it might seem straightforward for Chicago to replace Imanaga by signing a top-tier free agent starter like Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, or Ranger Suárez, or by trading for someone like Tarik Skubal. In reality, however, the Cubs are more likely to pursue one of the more modest, attainable options.

More realistic options could include trading for Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins, who, according to Dan Hayes, a Twins writer at The Athletic, might be acquired in exchange for two top-50 prospects, one with a mid-ceiling and one more of a lottery ticket, or signing a veteran free agent such as José Quintana, who has a proven track record of success with the Cubs.

The post 2 moves the Chicago Cubs must make after losing Shota Imanaga appeared first on ChiCitySports.


Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-cubs-moves-after-shota-imanaga-free-agency



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