Imanaga Accepts $22.025M QO; Cubs Return Pitcher Prone to Long Balls

Shota Imanaga has accepted the Chicago Cubs' one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer, returning to the rotation for 2026. While he "knows how to pitch," Imanaga is notably susceptible to home runs due to his lack of velocity and north-south pitching style, making him a valuable regular-season arm but not an ideal postseason starter. His return gives the Cubs the option to run back their 2025 rotation, which ranked 1st in BB/9 and 8th in ERA, though the team may still seek upgrades with more whiff potential.