The Cubs had originally signed Imanaga to a four-year contract, of which he's through two seasons. Built into the contract was an option for Chicago, after the second season, to decide to tack a fifth year onto the end of the deal. The Cubs, according to Rogers, chose to reject that chance at a fifth year.

Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga had opted for free agency after he and the Cubs declined to exercise their mutual options.

The Cubs declined their option to extend Shota Imanaga's contract to a total of 5 years and $80 million, and then Imanaga declined his $15 million option for 2026, @suntimes_sports confirmed.