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1h ago

Shota Imanaga Accepts Cubs’ Qualifying Offer to Return for 2026

The left-hander took the one-year, $22.025 million offer following the team’s decision to pass on a three-year option.

Cubs starter Shota Imanaga heads to the dugout after the first inning against the White Sox on July 25, 2025, at Rate Field. Imanaga gave up three runs in the inning. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Imanaga is no longer a free agent after accepting the Cubs’ qualifying offer worth $22.025 million for 2026.
  • The move follows Chicago declining a three-year, $57.75 million club option that initially sent him to the open market.
  • He reportedly turned down a separate one-year, $15 million player option before opting for the qualifying offer.
  • His acceptance is uncommon under MLB rules, making him the 18th player to take a qualifying offer since 2012.
  • Recent evaluations highlighted a late-2025 slump and a spike in home runs allowed, while the Cubs continue to prioritize pitching upgrades this offseason; Kyle Tucker is rejecting the qualifying offer, per MLB.com.