CHICAGO (670 The Score) — After buttoning up a fresh white jersey and donning his blue hat for the first time, new Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga couldn't hold back his excitement.
A star southpaw in his native Japan, Imanaga had a statement of genuine joy that he had prepared in English for a crowded ballroom in a downtown Chicago hotel.
"Hey, Chicago, what do you say," Imanaga started. "Cubs are gonna win today."
By offering the words of "Go, Cubs, Go," the 30-year-old Imanaga instantly gained the endearment of Cubs fans. But as the team's first major signing of this offseason put on his pinstripes, those same fans were wondering what's next for the Cubs.
Anticipation was awaiting the Cubs this offseason after they fell just short of the postseason in 2023. Their hiring of manager Craig Counsell in early November only heightened those expectations. The Cubs were expected to be major players this offseason and take key steps toward bolstering themselves into a legitimate World Series contender.
Then, patience wore thin as the Cubs failed to produce a single free-agent signing before Imanaga inked his four-year, $53-million deal Thursday. They were the last of 30 teams to sign a player to a big league contract in free agency this winter.
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer heard all the cries to turn his phone on this offseason.
"Yeah, I got the jokes," Hoyer said with a wry smile. "It's been a slow offseason in general around the industry. Obviously, we were a little slower than most. But the way I see it – I want to do good deals, I don't (just) want to do deals.
"You got to be patient."
This particular offseason market has allowed Hoyer to work with diligence rather than rushing to make a move. Of the top 10 free agents available according to MLB Trade Rumors, just four of those players have been signed – including Imanaga with the Cubs.
Super-agent Scott Boras still holds many of the cards for free agency, as he represents several of the top players still available. That includes former MVP Cody Bellinger, who enjoyed a turnaround season with the Cubs in 2023.
The 28-year-old Bellinger is the top free agent available, and his decision will create ripples across Major League Baseball. The Cubs are considered a favorite to re-sign Bellinger, who hit .307 with 26 home runs and 97 RBIs last season.
Inside the ballroom for Cubs Convention on Friday night, there was a void without Bellinger. The crowd rose with cheers for its core of Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ and gave ovations to prized prospects like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw. And one of the loudest ovations went for the lone 2016 World Series champion on the roster, Kyle Hendricks.
But without Bellinger, the Cubs are missing their best player. This team will struggle to claim its better than the 2023 club without him back on the roster.
Cubs veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon visited with Bellinger in Arizona earlier this week. While he didn't want to press Bellinger on his looming decision, Taillon is hopeful he'll be back.
"I could definitely see it being a fit," Taillon said. "Yeah, I could see him being here. I feel like he was comfortable with the strength staff and the trainers and the hitting coaches and his teammates. Like, it just seemed like a really, really good fit, a place he could be comfortable and work on the right things. Yeah, I could see him being back. But obviously it comes down to money and who puts offers are out there and all that. There's more to it."
A deal for Bellinger – whether that's in Chicago or elsewhere in baseball – will likely open up the markets for fellow Boras clients like Matt Chapman and Rhys Hoskins, who are each potential free-agent fits for the Cubs. Coveted arms like Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, who are also Boras clients, are also still awaiting new deals on the open market. There are plenty of quality players still available to sign.
Two years ago, the Cubs struck a deal with right-hander Marcus Stroman on Dec. 1 – just prior to MLB's strike beginning. Last offseason, Swanson was signed on Dec. 21 as a marquee addition for this team. But in 2019, the Phillies signed Boras client Bryce Harper to a 13-year deal on Feb. 28, with their players and coaches already working through spring training.
Each offseason is different from the last, which is what Hoyer has reminded himself with his phone clutched in hand. When the Cubs open up spring training in Mesa in February, they may well look like a vastly improved team from last season.
Hoyer is still confident in what's ahead to fortify the Cubs' chances in this new year.
"We'll end up making more deals this winter," Hoyer said. "I don't know if that's going to happen next week or they're going to happen in February. I mean, things are moving really slow this year, and that's just the nature of it.
"We're certainly not done with our offseason by any stretch."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
