The Cubs declined their three-year club option on Shota Imanaga, making him a free agent. Kyle Tucker also hits the market after his 2025 run with Chicago.

Milwaukee exercised Freddy Peralta’s option while Brandon Woodruff declined his, and the first trade of the offseason is in, the Cubs sent reliever Andrew Kittredge to the Orioles for cash.

Joe Roderick and Brenden Schaeffer break down how these moves reshape the NL Central, what it means for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2026, and where Chicago and Milwaukee might go next.