Chicago Cubs fans just got some good news—star pitcher Shota Imanaga is sticking around for at least one more season. He accepted a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer to pitch in 2026.
Imanaga, the veteran lefty who joined the Cubs from Nippon Professional Baseball two years back, has quickly become a key part of Chicago’s rotation. Even with injuries and some late-season struggles, he’s been a steady presence on the mound.
This move locks in the Cubs’ pitching plans as they gear up for another playoff run. It also keeps one of their most dependable arms from dipping into free agency.
Imanaga Chooses Stability Over Uncertainty
The 32-year-old ace was one of only four players across the league to accept a qualifying offer before MLB’s Tuesday deadline. By staying in Chicago, he avoids the draft-pick compensation mess that comes with signing elsewhere.
The Cubs don’t have to sweat out a free-agent bidding war. They get to keep a proven starter without the drama.
Contract Details and Negotiation History
The contract dance earlier in November was a bit wild. First, Chicago declined a three-year, $57.75 million club option on Imanaga.
Then Imanaga turned down his own $15.25 million player option. By grabbing the qualifying offer, he locks in a big one-year payday and lines himself up for another shot at free agency next year—if he pitches well in 2026, of course.
A Mixed Bag in 2025
Imanaga’s 2025 season showed both his strengths and how tough it can be to stay at your best through an MLB grind. He finished with a 9-8 record and a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts.
A hamstring strain knocked him out for a stretch, and he faded a bit late in the season—fatigue seemed to catch up. Still, making over two dozen starts says a lot about his resilience and how much the Cubs rely on him.
Comparing to His Breakout Year
It’s tough not to think back to how dominant Imanaga looked in 2024, his first year in the majors. He arrived from Japan on a four-year, $53 million deal with a bunch of contract options and wasted no time making an impact.
He went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA, led the NL in strikeout-to-walk ratio, and grabbed an All-Star nod plus real NL Cy Young buzz. That rookie year put his command and ability to handle the MLB jump on full display—not something you see every day from pitchers coming over from Nippon Professional Baseball.
What This Means for the Cubs’ Rotation
Keeping Imanaga gives the Cubs a legit anchor at the top of their rotation looking ahead to 2026. With his experience, international success, and proven MLB chops, he’s a huge piece of their playoff hopes.
Chicago’s front office probably sees this as a win. They’ve got one of baseball’s more underrated rotations, and Imanaga brings a mix of power and pinpoint control that’s tough to find.
Key Factors Behind the Decision
- Financial Security: A guaranteed $22.025 million for one year? Hard to say no to that.
- Team Fit: Imanaga seems comfortable and has built good chemistry in the Cubs’ clubhouse.
- Competitive Position: Chicago’s still in the mix in the National League, so there’s a real shot at October baseball.
- Market Timing: He can hit free agency again after 2026, this time without the headache of draft-pick compensation hanging over him.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Imanaga and the Cubs will be hoping he can find the form he showed in his fantastic debut year. If he stays healthy and keeps his command sharp, there’s a decent chance he matches or even tops his 2024 numbers.
His knack for working deep into games will matter a ton as Chicago battles through a tough Central Division and chases another playoff spot.
The Bigger Picture
Qualifying offers can feel like a gamble for players who want long-term security. In Imanaga’s case, though, this move really shows confidence in his ability to deliver another strong season and maybe boost his value even more down the line.
Cubs fans have to feel a bit relieved knowing one of their top pitchers isn’t leaving—at least not yet. As 2026 creeps closer, people will wonder if Shota Imanaga’s story in Chicago keeps building toward a place among the most memorable Cubs arms in recent memory.
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga reportedly returning on 1-year, $22 million qualifying offer
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s