MLB Offseason Moves: Teams Decline Options and Restructure

Several MLB teams are making significant roster decisions as the offseason approaches, with the Diamondbacks and Cubs notably declining options on key players. The Arizona Diamondbacks have declined their $1.35 million club option on right-hander Elvin Rodriguez, who is now a free agent. According to MLB Trade Rumors, Rodriguez has already garnered interest from teams in Asia after a stint in Nippon Professional Baseball, where he posted a 2.77 ERA over 78 innings in 2024. His previous MLB performance has been less impressive, with a career ERA of 9.40 over 52 and two-thirds innings, marred by a troubling tendency to allow home runs. This decision indicates a shift in the Diamondbacks' strategy as they look to reshape their roster, having not utilized Rodriguez at the major league level after acquiring him off waivers earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have also made headlines by declining their option on left-hander Shota Imanaga, who has become a free agent after two seasons with the team. The Cubs initially signed Imanaga to a four-year deal worth $53 million, which included options for the team to extend his contract after the second and third years. After Imanaga's rookie season, where he had a 2.91 ERA and was an All-Star, his performance dipped in 2025 due to a hamstring injury that affected his mechanics. The Cubs opted not to extend Imanaga's contract, which would have brought it to a total of five years and $80 million, a decision confirmed by the Chicago Sun-Times. Imanaga also declined a $15 million player option for 2026, putting him in a strong position as he heads into free agency. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer expressed positive sentiments about Imanaga, noting his contributions and the need for the team to make strategic decisions moving forward.

The Cubs now face a potential loss of starting pitching depth if they do not extend Imanaga a qualifying offer, which could see him sign elsewhere and leave the Cubs without compensation. The offseason is shaping up to be critical for both franchises as they look to navigate roster changes and address their pitching needs. With the high demand for starting pitching expected to continue, Imanaga could command a lucrative contract on the free agent market, potentially exceeding the offers he declined from the Cubs. As teams across the league begin to restructure rosters, the decisions made by the Diamondbacks and Cubs will be pivotal in shaping their future strategies and addressing their needs heading into the new season.