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The Chicago Cubs made the decision this week to decline southpaw Shota Imanaga's $57 million contract for the next three seasons (2026-2028).
Because Chicago declined the contract on their end, it triggered Shota Imanga's player option for $15 million, which he then declined so that he could test free agency in search of a new deal. Imanaga is also expected to get a qualifying offer for $22 million. But what is the lefty starter's new contract projection?
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ESPN insider projects Shota Imanaga to sign $45 million deal
In a recent predictions piece by ESPN, writer Kiley McDaniel predicts the contract value of the top 50 free agents, and Shota Imanaga is featured, receiving a three-year, $43.5 million deal.
After a great first year in MLB, Shota posted a 2.91 ERA in 173.1 innings last season. However, 2025 came with more uneven results, and even a hamstring strain that kept him out for upwards of a month.
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Shota's velocity was down a tick in 2025, which the hamstring injury might have contributed to, but he still posted respectable numbers. Imanaga went 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA in 144.2 innings.
Imanaga will be 32 when Opening Day rolls around in 2026, and it's clear he is searching for a new deal that won't undervalue him as a productive southpaw. Especially when you consider some of the other top lefty free agents (Ranger Suarez, Framber Valdez) in free agency may make upwards of $100 million.
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