Imanaga faces a pivotal decision. His recent struggles might push him toward accepting the Cubs' offer for a chance at a bigger payday next offseason.
The ball is now in Shota Imanaga’s hands.
A few days ago, it looked like we had seen the last of Imanaga in a Cubs uniform. Chicago declined his three-year, $57 million club option, and then the left-hander declined his one-year, $15 million player option.
However, there is still a chance that Imanaga returns to the team next year. That’s because the front office offered a $22.025 million qualifying offer to the Japanese pitcher on Thursday afternoon.
Now, it’s up to Imanaga to accept that $22.025 million qualifying offer for the 2026 season. The southpaw has until November 18 at 4 p.m. ET to accept that qualifying offer. If he doesn’t, the 32-year-old will be a free agent.
While Imanaga could easily receive a multi-year contract in free agency, it wouldn’t be a major surprise to see him accept that $22.025 million qualifying offer by the November 18 deadline. Part of the reason is because of the perceived perception that hitters have figured out the 2024 All-Star.
Imanaga finished his rookie season with a 2.91 ERA and 174 strikeouts across 173 ⅓ innings pitched. In 2025, his numbers were down across the board, as he ended the year with a 3.73 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 144 ⅔ innings.
The left-hander was also one of the worst pitchers in the second half of the 2025 campaign. He had a 5.17 ERA over his final 12 regular season starts and didn’t pitch well in either of his two postseason appearances.
Given those poor numbers in the second half, there’s a strong possibility that Imanaga takes that qualifying offer and plays out the 2026 season with the Cubs. That’ll allow him to show other teams just how good he can be on the mound.
With those second-half struggles in the back of the team’s minds, Imanaga might not get the contract that he deserves this winter. But if he waits one season and plays on the qualifying offer in 2026, he could earn a bigger contract next offseason if his numbers improve.
That’s ultimately why there’s a decent chance that Imanaga is back with the Cubs next season. And the front office would definitely welcome him back with open arms.
One of the biggest reasons why the Cubs decided to decline that three-year, $57 million option earlier this week is probably because they didn’t want to commit to Imanaga for the next three years. He showed significant regression signs this past season, and his problems keeping the ball in the park are a massive concern.
However, Imanaga can prove everyone wrong this upcoming year, which might help him earn a bigger contract next offseason.