Seemingly everything said in July was “We have to trade Bieber because he’s opting out… We have to trade Bieber because he’s opting out… We have to trade Bieber because he’s opting out… We have to trade Bieber because he’s opting out… We have to trade Bieber because he’s opting out…”

Well,

It’s a decision that makes very little sense, honestly. The MLBPA must be furious.

Another thing that puzzled me is the Cubs declining their 3-year Shota Imanaga option. He then declined his 1-year option. This puts him on the board as a Guardians possibility, and I am going to be insufferable begging for this to happen this offseason.

He could trigger draft pick compensation.

Around baseball

• Luis Robert remains in Chicago and Jack Flaherty remains in Detroit.

• Trevor Story didn’t opt out of his Sox deal. I didn’t understand why some people thought he would.

• The Royals signed Sal Perez to a 2-year extension.

• Rhys Hoskins and Jose Quintana are now free agents.