Depending on who you ask, the Chicago Cubs' decision to decline Shota Imanaga's three-year, $57 million team option was either shocking or expected, but either way, it does send another starting pitcher with top-of-the-rotation credentials to free agency.
The rebuilding St. Louis Cardinals likely won't be too involved in that end of the market, but a veteran pitcher looking to rebuild his value could be a perfect sign-and-flip candidate for a team that needs to infuse the farm system with more talent. That's especially true if Imanaga feels disrespected by the Cubs and wants revenge.