A key Shota Imanaga contract trigger may soon put Cubs on the clock

In his first two seasons with the Chicago Cubs, Shota Imanaga has quickly emerged as a quasi-ace. After posting a 2.91 ERA in 29 starts last season, Imanaga has a 2.82 ERA through his first 8 starts this season. Imanaga has been sidelined for much of the past month with a hamstring strain, but the latest reports are that he is due back soon. A void has been created in Imanaga's absence, and that holds especially true with Justin Steele out for the remainder of the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. It's also a feeling that could sneakily become a reality for the Cubs next season.

When Shota Imanaga signed his deal with the Cubs prior to the 2024 season, it was one of the most creative deals of the offseason. Imanga's deal with the Cubs reads as if it is a four-year deal worth $53.25MM. However, beginning this offseason, there are options that add a level of complexity to the situation.

After the season, the Cubs hold a club option for Imanaga 's 2028 season. If the Cubs exercise the option, Imanaga essentially would be receiving a three-year extension worth $57MM. If the Cubs decline the option, the decision converts to a $15MM player option. Meaning, if Imanaga doesn't exercise the player option, there is an outside chance he does become a free agent this season.

Along those lines, if Imanaga does exercise the player option, the situation will be repeated after 2026. The Cubs will have a club option that would essentially be a two-year, $42MM extension; if not, Imanaga has a $15MM option.

Shota Imanaga's contract details will come into play this offseason

As of this writing, the Cubs picking up the club option after this season feels like a formality. With Imanaga turning 32 in September, a three-year deal worth $57MM is the type of deal the Cubs have preferred for starting pitchers in recent years. There's no reason to expect that to change this upcoming offseason. Of course, the impending work stoppage after the 2026 season could throw a wrench into the Cubs' normal strategy.

With Steele likely to miss the start of the 2026 season, there is no scenario where the Cubs can justify not picking up the club option. While Imanaga has embraced the city of Chicago, it would seem likely that he would decline the $15MM player option, if presented, and land a larger deal on the open market. Fortunately, the ball is entirely in the Cubs' court.