Sho-time may be ending for Cubs; Sox set to bring back Robert
Luis Robert Jr. will return to the South Side, while Sho-time might be over for the Cubs.
Decisions had to be made by Tuesday regarding contract options in MLB. As expected, the White Sox picked up Robert's $20 million option for 2026, according to multiple reports. General manager Chris Getz mentioned several times he expected Robert to be with the Sox again next season.
The question is whether the center fielder will ever approach his 2023 numbers, when he produced 38 home runs, 80 RBI and an .857 OPS. In two injury-filled seasons since then, Robert, 28, has hit a total of 28 home runs, with an OPS around .650.
Shota Imanaga had an unusual contract option with the Cubs. It was for the 2028 season, so exercising the option would have given the left-hander a guaranteed $57 million over the next three years.
It's no surprise the Cubs declined that option, considering Imanaga had a rough ending. He had trouble with fastball command, which is a problem since he throws in the low 90s. Imanaga gave up 15 home runs in his last eight starts, including playoffs.
Once the Cubs declined the option, the contract stipulated Imanaga would have a $15 million player option for 2026, which he declined, becoming a free agent. It remains to be seen if the Cubs will extend a qualifying offer, which would allow them to receive draft compensation if Imanaga signs with another MLB team.
It's also possible Imanaga could agree to a new deal with the Cubs, but he is free to join any team. One potential path is for the Cubs to replace Imanaga in free-agency. Among the best pitchers hitting the market this winter is former Cubs draft pick and White Sox ace Dylan Cease, 29. He posted a 4.55 ERA with the Padres this season, but looked sharp against the Cubs in the wild-card series.
The Cubs made a trade Tuesday, sending reliever Andrew Kittredge, 35, back to Baltimore for cash considerations. The Cubs acquired Kittredge from the Orioles at the trade deadline, and he posted a 3.32 ERA with the Cubs. He has a $9 million option for 2026.
Here are some of the MLB players who reportedly opted out of their deals Tuesday and will become free agents: Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman, Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger, Mets reliever Edwin Diaz and Padres reliever Robert Suarez.
Still to be determined is whether the Cubs will exercise a $6 million option for pitcher Colin Rea (likely yes), while the White Sox have a mutual option with pitcher Martin Perez.