The Shota Imanaga sweepstakes saw its first blow when the New York Yankees exited from the race. Since the beginning, the Pinstripes had been considered the favorites to sign Imanaga, but the mismatch of styles raised worries in their mind. But now it looks like the Chicago Cubs are possibly out of the Imanaga race as well.

With the deadline being on January 11, this week is sure to be filled with a lot of movement for the Samurai Japan ace. With a few suitors still there, chances of a surprisingly huge contract remain high.

The Shota Imanaga sweepstakes gaining final shape

The Yankees exited the Shota Imanaga race when they understood his flyball tendency. Now another team has exited the stage. The Athletic recently reported that “Barring a last-minute reversal, a league source said Chicago is not seen as a likely landing spot for Shota Imanaga”. So it looks like the North Siders are out of this race as well.

It has been a rather strange offseason for the Cubbies. They’ve done no business, exit most sweepstakes, and lose the ones they give their time to. Even though the Cubs need a pitcher, especially a lefty, they’re not interested in Imanaga. This is because the North Siders are currently looking to focus more on Jordan Montgomery. So where does this leave Imanaga?

Imanaga needn’t worry, as he still has quite a few suitors left. With more and more experts agreeing that his contract can go atleast $100 million, Imanaga seems to be in a friendly spot. His free agency is beginning to take the final shape here. With teams like the Boston Red Sox and the San Francisco Giants still in, Imanaga has more than a few options.

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But with the ever-nearing deadline, things could be getting tough for the teams as well as the Samurai Japan ace.

The approaching deadline – A masterstroke or a potential disaster

If Imanaga fails to sign with a team by January 11, he must return to NPB. Though his failing to sign seems unlikely, that date must worry the teams. Time and again, we’ve seen that whenever players push things to the deadline, the franchises tend to overpay for them. Could this be the strategy of Imanaga as well?

Perhaps with teams exiting, other teams will make a more active play for “The Throwing Philosopher”. That could certainly benefit Imanaga, as a bidding war will only lead to a higher contract. With a $100 million contract expected, when the dust settles, just how above that number will Imanaga’s contract be?

Read more: New York Yankees’ Blake Snell Interest Grows, as Bombers Back Out of Japanese Ace Deal