Cubs' Shota Imanaga unlikely to get big-money free agent contract for 92 mph reason

The Chicago Cubs are going to see a lot of their starting pitchers hit the open market this upcoming offseason, Shota Imanaga being one of them.

Imanaga is a fan-favorite left-handed starter, but he's been struggling a bit this season and has posted a 3.91 ERA this year. It's not been a bad season, but it's a bit underwhelming, especially considering how badly they needed him to be good this year.

When it comes to his looming free agency, ESPN's Jeff Passan revealed a significant update on his new contract outlook. Thanks to a 92 mph fastball, Imanaga is unlikely to land a big-money contract on the open market this upcoming offseason.

Shota Imanaga unlikely to land big-money free-agent deal due to 92 mph fastball

"A perfect modern mid-rotation type. But because his fastball needs to be around 92 mph to really play, teams aren't likely to devote significant long-term capital when the raw stuff isn't anything special," Passan writes.

This update from Passan doesn't bode well for Imanaga receiving a big contract this offseason. For the Cubs, however, it might allow them to bring him back on a more affordable contract.

He came back to the Cubs this past offseason on a one-year, $22.03 million contract. It was the same as the qualifying offer, which the Cubs likely won't have to utilize this offseason.

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Unfortunately, the new 33-year-old Imanaga is not worth $22 million or more per-year. Instead, the Cubs are going to be better off signing him to a multi-year deal at a lower AAV if they want him back at all.

While his 3.91 ERA this season isn't anything truly terrible, the upside of Imanaga isn't nearly as high as it seemed during his 2024 rookie and All-Star season.

Imanaga is a No. 3 starter at best, and at 33 years old with a slow fastball, the Cubs fan favorite left-hander is sure to land an underwhelming deal this upcoming offseason.

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