Cubs' Shota Imanaga Accepts $22 Million Qualifying Offer for 2026

Left-hander Shota Imanaga will return to the Chicago Cubs after accepting their $22.025 million qualifying offer for the 2026 season. Imanaga was one of four players to accept qualifying offers this year, joining New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, Detroit Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres, and Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff.

Prior to this year, only 14 of the 144 players who had received qualifying offers had accepted them, highlighting the significance of Imanaga's decision. This move addresses the Cubs' pitching concerns as they head into the offseason.

Imanaga's contract is for just one year, but it carries a higher value than the average of the three-year player option that the Cubs had previously declined. At the general managers meetings last week, there were indications that Imanaga might explore free agency given his impressive performance in two MLB seasons.

However, by accepting the offer, he extends his stay in Chicago, where he has quickly established himself as a fan and clubhouse favorite. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer praised Imanaga, saying, 'He was amazing for us as a pitcher and as a teammate.' Imanaga had an outstanding rookie season in 2024, finishing with a record of 15-3 and a 2.91 ERA, earning an All-Star selection and finishing fifth in the National League Cy Young voting.

Although his performance dipped in 2025 to a 9-8 record and a 3.73 ERA, largely due to a lower-body injury that affected his strength and flexibility, the Cubs are optimistic about his potential moving forward.

General manager Carter Hawkins emphasized the importance of addressing Imanaga's injury issues and restoring his effective delivery. The Cubs also extended a qualifying offer to right fielder Kyle Tucker, who is expected to decline it and seek more lucrative opportunities in free agency.

Tucker, a four-time All-Star, had a strong season with an .841 OPS and is likely to attract considerable interest from other teams. The Cubs are focusing on enhancing their pitching staff this offseason, with Imanaga's return being a key first step.

Additionally, the Cubs took steps to protect Rule 5 Draft-eligible players by adding left-hander Riley Martin and infielders Pedro Ramirez and James Triantos to the 40-man roster. Martin showed significant improvement at Triple-A Iowa, while Ramirez and Triantos are seen as promising prospects despite some challenges this past season.