The free-agent market is adding a big-name lefty starter, as the Cubs declined to pick up their club option for Shota Imanaga , who subsequently declined his player option to become a free agent, a source told MLB.com's Jordan Bastian on Tuesday morning. The club has not confirmed the news.

The Cubs have the ability to extend a qualifying offer to Imanaga, who would return to the club for one year and just over $22 million should he accept it.

The 32-year-old Imanaga signed a relatively convoluted contract upon joining the Cubs before the 2024 season, with the club needing to act this offseason on a $57 million option for 2026-28; declining that gave the lefty a $15 million player option for 2026.

Imanaga regressed some in 2025 from the heights of his excellent rookie season (2.91 E

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