Cubs, Shōta Imanaga agree to terms on a 4-year deal with interesting structure

Team Japan pitcher Shota Imanaga (21) throws during first inning of a World Baseball Classic championship game against the United States, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Miami. The Chicago Cubs bolstered their rotation Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, agreeing to a contract with Japanese left-hander Shota Imanaga in their first major offseason roster move. (AP Photos)

The Cubs and left-hander Shōta Imanaga have agreed to terms on a four-year, $53 million contract, sources confirmed Wednesday.

The intricate contract structure, a source confirmed, includes an option after the second and third years of the deal for the Cubs to extend the contract to a total of five years and $80 million. If they don’t exercise that option, Imanaga can choose to opt out.