{
  "id": 19065335,
  "title": "Cubs Predicted to Lose Star Pitcher to NL Rival in Free Agency",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/cubs-predicted-to-lose-star-pitcher-to-nl-rival-in-free-agency",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-09T01:52:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/cubs-predicted-to-lose-star-pitcher-to-nl-rival-in-free-agency-12685101"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Chicago Cubs are facing speculation that they may lose their star pitcher, Shota Imanaga, to a National League rival during the upcoming free agency period. Tim Kelly, writing for Bleacher Report, forecasts that Imanaga will sign a two-year, $34 million deal with the Miami Marlins this offseason. Imanaga could potentially join the Marlins as a contingency plan if they decide to trade Sandy Alcantara or let him walk in the offseason next year. Given the Marlins' current starting rotation, there is a logical reason for them to be linked with Imanaga. The addition of such a proven pitcher would provide them with a valuable boost to their pitching staff. Imanaga, who made his MLB debut in 2024, has been consistently effective, posting an 11-10 record, 3.77 ERA, and 174 strikeouts in 32 games for Chicago this season. This performance marks the third consecutive season in which he has maintained an ERA below 4.00, including his All-Star season in 2024 where he went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA. Despite these impressive numbers, it remains to be seen whether the Cubs can successfully re-sign Imanaga.",
  "summary": "The Chicago Cubs are being predicted to lose star pitcher Shota Imanaga to the Miami Marlins in free agency.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}