CONFIRMED: Reunion Complete Chicago Cubs Welcomes Back Another Top-Notch Veteran With $22 million Cubs Deal

The Chicago Cubs will retain left-handed pitcher Shota Imanaga in their starting rotation for the 2026 season, according to sources. Imanaga has agreed to a one-year qualifying offer (QO) worth $22.025 million, securing his presence in Chicago for at least another year.

Imanaga briefly entered free agency this offseason after both he and the Cubs declined their respective contract options. Chicago passed on a three-year, $57.75 million club option, while Imanaga turned down his $15.25 million player option for 2026. This mutual decision cleared the way for the high-value, one-year deal.

The qualifying offer provides benefits for both parties. For the Cubs, it ensures a reliable starter without committing to a long-term, costly contract, balancing financial flexibility and rotation stability. For Imanaga, it guarantees a substantial salary while offering a chance to enhance his future market value. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer emphasized that declining the club option was a financial decision, not a reflection on Imanaga’s abilities.

Imanaga joined the Cubs from Japan’s NPB in early 2024 on a four-year, $53 million contract, expected to anchor the rotation. His debut season exceeded expectations: he went 15–3 with a 2.91 ERA, earned All-Star recognition, and received Cy Young votes. In 2025, however, he faced challenges, finishing 9–8 with a 3.73 ERA over 25 starts. Injuries, including a left hamstring strain, and late-season inconsistency raised questions about his ability to sustain top performance.

Re-signing Imanaga to a one-year QO allows the Cubs to retain a veteran starter without a long-term commitment. If he returns to his 2024 form, he could significantly impact the rotation. For Imanaga, a strong 2026 season could lead to a lucrative free-agent contract next year, while a weaker season doesn’t lock him into a long-term deal—a low-risk, high-reward scenario for both sides.

Accepting a qualifying offer is rare in MLB today. Only four players, including Imanaga, have accepted a QO this year. By doing so, Imanaga stabilizes the Cubs’ rotation and avoids draft-pick compensation issues the team would face if he signed elsewhere.

With Imanaga returning, the Cubs gain experience and reliability in a rotation that has been inconsistent in recent years. The one-year deal also allows the team to evaluate long-term options depending on his performance and health.

Several factors will determine Imanaga’s impact next season. Maintaining durability will be crucial, particularly avoiding injuries like his 2025 hamstring strain. Performance consistency will also be key—can he regain his dominant 2024 form or will inconsistencies persist? Additionally, a strong year could boost his free-agent prospects next offseason, while another uneven season might limit opportunities.

For the Cubs, retaining Imanaga is a practical, low-risk move. For fans, it signals a commitment to a competitive rotation. For Imanaga, it offers financial security and a platform to prove his value for a potentially lucrative future.

Imanaga’s acceptance of the QO aligns the interests of both player and team. Chicago keeps a key rotation member, while Imanaga secures a high-value opportunity to rebuild or enhance his standing. The one-year deal represents a strategic, low-risk, high-reward move for both sides, combining stability for the Cubs with a chance for Imanaga to showcase his abilities ahead of future free agency.