Cubs Ace Shota Imanaga Accepts Qualifying Offer for 2026 Return

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga accepted a one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer on November 18, 2025, ensuring his return for the 2026 season. The 32-year-old lefty was one of a record four players to accept the QO. Imanaga posted a 9-8 record with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts in 2025, missing time with a hamstring strain and struggling with home runs in September. He surprisingly became a free agent after the Cubs declined his club option and he declined his player option. This followed a stellar 2024 rookie campaign where he was an All-Star and Cy Young contender, going 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA. His QO acceptance provides market certainty after an injury-affected year.