The decision to decline Shota Imanaga's option earlier this week was a weird one. Financially, it was not really a bad deal for the Cubs, and it feels like a potential step backwards for a team that should be stepping forwards.

What happens now will be telling. Personally, I don't think Shota is the kind of starter you can trust starting playoff games. But he is the kind of guy that helps you get through the season. If the Cubs truly just don't like him that much as a pitcher, then surely they will spend heavily in the SP market this winter to replace him with more talented options.

If they don't do that, then this feels more like a cost-cutting maneuver. That would not go over well in Chicago.