Cubs Decline Imanaga Option, Bieber Stays in Toronto & Rea Returns | Bleacher Nation Cubs

Brett and Michael are back for the thirty-seventh episode of the Bleacher Nation Cubs Podcast (Presented by Ankin Law)! They discuss the Cubs’ decision to decline Shota Imanaga’s option , what it means for his future, and whether a Qualifying Offer could still be in play. They also touch on Shane Bieber’s surprising one-year deal to stay in Toronto, how front offices are approaching short-term pitching contracts, and the Cubs’ new one-year agreement with Colin Rea heading into 2026. A special thank you to Ankin Law for sponsoring this podcast! Visit Ankin Law's Website ➡️ ankinlaw.com Follow Michael on Twitter ➡️ @michael_cerami Follow Brett on Twitter ➡️ @brett_a_taylor Follow Bleacher Nation on Twitter ➡️ @bleachernation Follow Michael on Bluesky ➡️ @michael-cerami.bsky.social Follow Brett on Bluesky ➡️ @brett-taylor.bsky.social Follow Bleacher Nation on Bluesky ➡️ @bleachernation.bsky.social Visit our Website ➡️ bleachernation.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.