The Cubs declined their club option on Imanaga for the 2026-28 seasons (worth roughly $57 million) and Imanaga in turn declined his player option for 2026 (around $15.25 million). That mutual decision has made the left-hander eligible for free agency.
Imanaga is 32 years old, and despite some recent struggles, he has demonstrated high upside. In 2024 he went 15-3 with a stellar 2.91 ERA and ranked high in Cy Young voting. In 2025 he posted a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts, though he missed time with a left hamstring strain.
From the Cardinals’ perspective, Imanaga presents a number of appealing attributes. Firstly, the Cardinals are always looking to bolster their starting rotation, and a left-handed starter with mid-to-high end ability is attractive. Secondly, Imanaga has shown in his career the ability to handle a heavy workload and excel (especially in 2024). His repertoire — with a rising fastball, splitter and ability to tunnel pitches — gives the sense that he could be a high-ceiling rotation piece.
There are location-specific fit aspects too: Imanaga has shown he can dominate divisional opponents and big-league hitters, including a strong outing versus the Cardinals in June 2025 where he allowed only one hit over five innings in his return from injury. That familiarity — albeit as an opponent — suggests he has the tools to perform in NL Central contexts.
Still, there are risk factors the Cardinals would need to weigh. The hamstring injury cost him significant time in 2025, and his late-season numbers dipped (for example, he gave up a number of home runs down the stretch). Also, the contract optics may matter: with his upside and former peak, he may demand a strong multi-year deal, which makes budgeting and term important for the Cardinals.
Timing is favorable: because the Cubs declined the extension and he declined the option, Imanaga hits the open market, giving interested teams like the Cardinals an opportunity before a wide bidding war. The Cardinals could act early to secure his services at possibly better relative value than waiting.
Strategically, adding Imanaga signals the Cardinals are serious about contending and upgrading their rotation rather than purely rebuilding. For a team with competitive aspirations in the next couple of seasons, landing a pitcher of Imanaga’s profile advances both the “now” and “future” windows.
In conclusion: The Cubs’ decision to part ways with Imanaga creates an opening. For the Cardinals, he represents a tantalizing target — a left-handed starter with proven high-end success, experience in the division, and potentially available sooner rather than later. If the Cardinals believe they can manage the health risks and contract commitments, pursuing Imanaga makes strong strategic sense.
