Particle.news
Download on the App Store
121 ARTICLES
·
4h ago

Bregman, Imanaga Hit Free Agency After Opt-Outs and Cubs’ Option Call

Qualifying-offer decisions now loom to shape draft-pick costs, influencing early bidding.

Oct 1, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) hits a single during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 15: The Atlanta Braves logo on a hat against the Chicago White Sox on July 15, 2023 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)
Image
Oct 6, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers during game two of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Alex Bregman officially opted out of his Red Sox contract, forfeiting two years and $80 million that included $40 million in deferred payments.
  • Bregman was an All-Star in 2025, posting a .273/.360/.462 line with 18 homers and 3.5 WAR in 114 games while missing time with a quad injury.
  • The Cubs declined a three-year, $57 million option on Shota Imanaga, and the left-hander then rejected a $15 million player option for 2026 to enter free agency.
  • Imanaga finished 2025 at 9-8 with a 3.73 ERA over 25 starts but struggled late with home-run issues and a September ERA of 6.51 after a midseason hamstring absence.
  • Teams are weighing qualifying offers this week, and a broader free-agent wave includes Lucas Giolito, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, Cody Bellinger and Robert Suárez, with 153 players already on the market.