As the Chicago Cubs look toward the future, the situation with pitcher Shota Imanaga remains uncertain. After a standout but somewhat uneven two-season stint, both sides are evaluating their next steps — and the possibility of continuing their partnership is still very much on the table.
Following the World Series, the Cubs and Imanaga each had the option to exercise their respective clauses on his contract. The Cubs decided not to pick up their team option, and Imanaga, in turn, declined his player option. However, the Cubs have not completely shut the door on the left-handed pitcher. They extended a qualifying offer worth $22 million, giving Imanaga until November 18 to make a decision.
At the general managers’ meetings in Las Vegas, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer addressed the club’s decision to decline Imanaga’s option and discussed the possibility of re-signing him. Hoyer made it clear that both sides had a mutual understanding of the situation, with neither feeling that the respective options reflected the right value.
“WE OBVIOUSLY VALUE SHOTA A TON. I THINK HE WAS AMAZING FOR US AS A PITCHER, AS A TEAMMATE, AND, YOU KNOW, I DON’T WANT TO CLOSE THAT DOOR COMPLETELY BY ANY STRETCH.” —
Jed Hoyer
Hoyer emphasized that the Cubs had extended a qualifying offer to Imanaga, indicating their openness to re-signing him. “Clearly, we made him a qualifying offer and there’s nothing that prohibits us from still talking to him,” Hoyer continued. “I don’t want to close that door, but obviously, like I said, the way that we valued the club option, the way he valued the player option, [we] obviously didn’t meet up there.”
The Cubs’ decision came after they declined a three-year option in Imanaga’s 2023 contract, which would have tied them to the pitcher for three more years at a cost of $57.75 million. After the Cubs turned down the option, Imanaga had the chance to trigger his own one-year option worth $15.25 million but chose to decline it. This led to the Cubs offering him a qualifying offer that was greater than the value of both the one-year option and the average annual value of the three-year deal they declined.
Imanaga’s time with the Cubs has been a mixture of brilliance and setbacks. His rookie season was outstanding, finishing 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 29 starts, earning an All-Star selection, a fourth-place finish in National League Rookie of the Year voting, and a fifth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting. However, the 2025 season was more challenging for the left-hander. After missing over a month with a hamstring injury, Imanaga posted a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts, with his strikeout rate per nine innings dropping from 9.0 in 2024 to 7.3 in 2025.
Though his 2025 season didn’t match the brilliance of his rookie campaign, the Cubs clearly still have faith in Imanaga’s potential. The decision now lies with the pitcher: will he accept the qualifying offer and remain with the Cubs, or will he test the waters of free agency? For the Cubs, the door is still open, and with the future of their pitching staff in play, the next few weeks could be crucial in determining their direction.
“Buffalo’s offense is sputtering, and some fans are wondering if Brian Daboll could be the cure for what ails them.”
The Buffalo Bills (6-3) have been struggling offensively, with their most recent lackluster performance coming in a 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing one of the league’s worst defenses, Buffalo’s receivers failed to create any separation, and the offense was unable to get anything going through the first three quarters. It’s clear that the Bills’ offensive issues are becoming a growing concern.
However, today’s Buffalo Rumblings report quashed any hopes for those Bills fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Joe Brady would remain the team’s offensive coordinator through the end of the 2025 NFL season. Despite speculation that former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be brought back to help turn things around, McDermott swiftly dismissed the idea.
McDermott Shoots Down Daboll Return
When Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants, rumors swirled about the possibility of a reunion with quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. McDermott wasted no time in shutting down those rumors, stating that he has confidence in Joe Brady and has no intention of bringing Daboll back to Buffalo.
“At this time, that is not something we are considering,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Daboll returning to Western New York.
The question remains: could Daboll have been the solution to Buffalo’s offensive struggles, or is the real issue something deeper? The Bills started the season strong but have since been cold, particularly in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dalton Kincaid’s Injury Puts More Pressure on Offense
Adding to Buffalo’s woes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has been one of Josh Allen’s most reliable targets this season, has been officially labeled “week-to-week” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Dolphins’ loss. Kincaid had been a standout, recording 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns—leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns this year. His absence could further strain the already struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to deal with a variety of injuries, including to key players like Kincaid, the offense will need to find a way to regain its early-season form. While McDermott has expressed confidence in his current coaching staff, fans are left to wonder if a change in offensive philosophy or leadership might be what’s needed to reignite Buffalo’s high-powered attack.
More Updates on Bills’ Injuries and Roster Moves
As the Bills face a series of injuries, including to key offensive players, the team is also adding new faces to the practice squad. Stay tuned for updates as Buffalo looks to address its depth and find solutions to its current offensive struggles.