BREAKING NEWS: CHICAGO CUBS CUT TIES WITH ALL-STAR LEFTY SHOTA IMANAGA IN SHOCKING MOVE

In one of the most stunning decisions of the 2025 MLB season, the Chicago Cubs have officially parted ways with left-handed All-Star pitcher Shota Imanaga, designating him for assignment just four months after he signed a four-year, $53 million contract with the club.

The decision, announced Monday morning, sent shockwaves through the league and left fans and analysts alike scrambling for answers. Imanaga, 30, was expected to be a key piece in Chicago’s rotation for years to come after a dominant debut season in 2024. However, a rough start to 2025, combined with internal concerns about his health and long-term performance, led to a swift and unexpected end.

“This is not a move we took lightly,” said Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer. “Shota has meant a lot to this organization in a short time. But after extensive discussions with our coaches, medical staff, and front office, we felt this was the best decision for the team’s direction moving forward.”

FROM ACE TO AFTERTHOUGHT

Imanaga burst onto the MLB scene in 2024 after a standout career in Japan’s NPB, quickly establishing himself as one of the best pitchers in the National League. He earned All-Star honors in his rookie year, finishing with a 2.76 ERA and 187 strikeouts in 167 innings.

But 2025 has been a different story. Through five starts, Imanaga posted an ERA north of 7.00, with diminished velocity, increased walk rates, and concerns about his shoulder mechanics. Multiple team sources also cited “tension behind the scenes” regarding communication between Imanaga’s camp and the Cubs’ training staff.

According to insiders, the final straw came during a disastrous outing against the Brewers last weekend, in which Imanaga lasted just 1.1 innings and gave up six earned runs on four walks and two home runs. The performance reportedly prompted a closed-door meeting between the coaching staff and front office that led to Monday’s announcement. 

“The version of Shota we’re seeing this year isn’t the one we signed,” said one Cubs staff member anonymously. “It’s been tough to watch, but this team’s window is now — we can’t afford to wait.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR IMANAGA AND THE CUBS

Imanaga will now go through waivers, though it’s unlikely a team will claim him without a restructured deal. If he clears, the Cubs could attempt to work out a release or trade — though a resolution may come in the form of a buyout.

In the meantime, the Cubs are expected to call up pitching prospect Ben Brown or slide veteran Kyle Hendricks back into the rotation temporarily.

Fans, many of whom had purchased Imanaga jerseys and rallied around his charismatic persona, reacted with a mix of disbelief and frustration.

“It’s shocking,” said one Wrigley Field season ticket holder. “He was supposed to be the guy. And now he’s gone? Just like that?”

Imanaga has yet to make a public statement, but sources close to the pitcher say he was “blindsided” by the decision and will “take time to consider his next move.”

Regardless of what happens next, the Cubs’ gamble on Imanaga — once hailed as a coup — has ended in abrupt disappointment. And now, with the team hovering around .500 and a critical stretch of games ahead, Chicago is forced to regroup without one of its most high-profile offseason acquisitions.