The Chicago Cubs face decisions on several pitchers ahead of 2027, with Shota Imanaga and Kevin Gausman set to become unrestricted free agents. President Jed Hoyer has said pitching will be a priority after a 2026 season marked by injuries and uneven performances.
Imanaga made 32 starts, going 11-10 with a 3.77 ERA. He returned for 2026 on a qualifying offer worth more than $21 million after opting out of his previous deal. Gausman, acquired from Toronto at the trade deadline, went 4-2 with a 4.83 ERA in nine Cubs starts.
Other decisions involve contract options rather than unrestricted free agency. Matthew Boyd has a $15 million mutual option after making 22 starts despite multiple injuries. Hunter Harvey has an $8 million mutual option after missing most of the season. Clay Holmes holds a $12 million player option, while the Cubs have a $7.5 million club option on Colin Rea.
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