Overview
- Imanaga accepted the qualifying offer on deadline day, guaranteeing him $22.025 million for the 2026 season.
- Chicago previously declined a three-year, $57.75 million club option, triggering a $15.25 million player option that Imanaga also declined before receiving the QO.
- The left-hander missed nearly two months with a hamstring strain in 2025, finished with a 3.73 ERA, and allowed 31 home runs, 58 over the past two seasons.
- Only four players accepted qualifying offers this offseason; Kyle Tucker rejected the Cubs’ offer and could net them draft-pick compensation if he signs elsewhere.
- The QO represents roughly a 63% raise from Imanaga’s 2025 salary, and team leadership says pitching remains the primary offseason focus despite his return.