Shota Imanaga pours his heart out to Cubs fans with an offseason goodbye feeling necessary

Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga delivered an emotional farewell message to fans following the team's elimination by the San Diego Padres in the 2026 wild-card round. Writer Ryan O'Rourke argues that despite Imanaga's heartfelt connection with supporters, the Cubs should allow the left-hander to depart in free agency this offseason.

Imanaga concluded his Chicago tenure with a 35-21 record and a 3.45 ERA over a four-year, $53 million deal. O'Rourke suggests the front office should pursue higher-tier starting pitchers to reduce home runs allowed and rebuild the rotation.