CHICAGO (AP) — Left-hander Shota Imanaga has become eligible for free agency after the Chicago Cubs declined an option to extend his contract for the 2026-28 seasons, which would have guaranteed $57 million. Additionally, Imanaga himself turned down a $15.25 million option for 2026, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The source spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team had not yet announced the decisions.

Imanaga initially agreed to a contract in January 2024 that guaranteed $53 million. Over two seasons, he earned $23.25 million, which included a $250,000 escalator for 2025 after finishing fourth in the 2024 National League Cy Young Award voting.

The Cubs faced a deadline this week to decide whether to exercise their option for $20.25 million each in 2026 and 2027, and $17.25 million in 2028. These figures could have increased by $250,000 annually due to the escalator clause. Once the team declined the option, Imanaga had the choice on a separate 2026 option. If he had exercised that, it would have triggered club options worth $24.25 million in 2027 and $15.25 million in 2028.

The Cubs still have the option to extend Imanaga a qualifying offer of $22,025,000 for 2026. Should he decline this offer and sign with another team before the amateur draft, Chicago would receive a draft pick as compensation.

Imanaga, 32, was an All-Star in 2024, finishing the season with a 15-3 record and a 2.91 ERA, and placing fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. During the current season, he posted a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts. His season was interrupted between May 24 and June 26 by a strained left hamstring.

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https://wgntv.com/sports/ap-sports/ap-imanaga-becomes-eligible-for-free-agency-after-cubs-pitcher-turn-down-options-ap-source-says/