Tatsuya Imai free agency deadline drama exposes Cubs' offseason indecision

By the end of the week, there will be a clearer sense of the direction the Chicago Cubs plan to take in their efforts to improve their starting rotation. After adding Hunter Harvey to the bullpen, at a $6M price tag, it would seem that focus will turn to addressing their need for a starting pitcher. Clarity is arriving, considering Tatsuya Ima's posting window closes on January 2.

With the Cubs being cautious with their spending as they reconstructed their bullpen, there's been speculation that this is because they are plotting for a big-ticket expenditure in free agency. With Imai expected to land a deal anywhere in the range of $100M to $150M, such a mindset from the Cubs would make sense.

Alternatively, the Cubs could sign Alex Bregman and trade a cost-controlled starting pitcher. However, signing the Japanese starting pitcher may be the likelier outcome.

Cubs Rumors: Tatsuya Imai has yet to receive an offer as posting window closes on Friday

Giving an interview with a Japanese outlet while shopping for groceries in Los Angeles (Dodgers?), Imai revealed that he's been surprised by how the process has unfolded. Imai revealed that while teams have expressed interest in him, he has yet to receive a formal offer. With his posting window closing later this week, that almost certainly will change in the days ahead.

Imai also said that shopping for groceries while stateside can be expensive, which possibly might be the most relatable thing he will ever say moving forward.

While the Cubs have been linked to Imai throughout the offseason, recent reports have suggested they may not feel he is capable of becoming a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher in the majors. That would seemingly put a cap on the Cubs' bidding for Imai, especially if another team views him as an ace. In other words, if Imai's bidding reaches the higher end of his projection, the Cubs likely won't be his suitor.

It's been difficult to get a sense of his market. The New York Yankees have been linked to Imai, but the latest from New York is that their interest may have cooled in recent weeks. The San Francisco Giants and Philadelphia Phillies have also been rumored suitors, but not to the extent that the Cubs and Yankees have been linked.

Regardless, by the end of the week, Imai's future will be decided along with the Cubs' path before spring training.