A shocking rumor swept across social media this week, suggesting that Shota Imanaga, the Chicago Cubs’ rising star, was already looking for a trade after a rough outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Given that Imanaga recently made history with a no-hitter, the idea of him demanding a move so soon seemed far-fetched. But is there any truth to the claim? Let’s break it down.

The trade rumor originated from ‘FAX Sports: MLB,’ a well-known parody account on X (formerly Twitter) that frequently posts satirical takes on baseball news. The account, which plays off the real ‘FOX Sports’ branding, shared a fake report claiming Imanaga wanted out of Chicago following the Cubs’ loss to the Dodgers.

Despite the post’s obvious humor, it spread like wildfire, fooling some fans and even a few smaller sports pages into believing the claim. However, credible sources—including MLB Trade Rumors and The Athletic—have not reported anything about Imanaga seeking a trade.

Let’s be real: why would Imanaga demand a trade? The southpaw recently inked a contract with the Cubs during the offseason – a four-year agreement worth $53 million that could potentially stretch to five years amounting to $80 million, if the team exercised their option. Chicago has shown faith in him and so far he seems to be acclimating nicely at 30 years of age.

Moreover, Imanaga has been performing exactly as advertised. While his loss to the Dodgers may have been frustrating, baseball is a long season, and one rough game doesn’t trigger trade requests. Plus, his no-hitter earlier this season only solidified his value in the Cubs’ rotation, making it highly unlikely the team would consider moving him.

The rise of parody accounts and AI-generated news has made it harder for casual fans to separate fact from fiction. A cleverly worded tweet, especially if it looks like a real sports outlet, can quickly gain traction before anyone stops to fact-check. In this case, Fax Sports: MLB successfully baited people into believing an absurd claim, highlighting the importance of verifying sources before reacting to sports “news.”

Bottom line? The rumor is a complete fabrication. Cubs fans should ignore the noise and enjoy watching Imanaga continue to make an impact at Wrigley Field.

Cubs’ rotation needs stability—and Imanaga brings it

In the years the Chicago Cubs have been missing a reliable starting rotation due to injuries and inconsistent performances. They have been in need of a pitcher who can lead the team on the field every five days with confidence. That’s exactly why they pursued Shota Imanaga so aggressively in free agency. The left-hander isn’t just a flashy international signing; he’s a stabilizing force, bringing reliability and elite command to a Cubs rotation that desperately needed it. And one rough start against the Dodgers doesn’t erase that.

Imanaga’s ability to limit walks, generate strikeouts, and keep hitters off balance makes him the kind of pitcher every team wants at the top of their staff. His no-hitter was a glimpse of his dominance, but even beyond that, his consistency has been his calling card. “He’s everything we expected and more,” Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy told The Athletic. “His work ethic, his command, his ability to make adjustments—it’s exactly what you want in a frontline starter.”

In essence, the Cubs didn’t sign Imanaga to be a temporary fix. They signed him to be the backbone of their rotation, and that plan hasn’t changed.