The Chicago Cubs were responsible for the first shock of the MLB offseason when they declined to pick up the option on lefty starter Shota Imanaga, which would’ve extended his contract three years at a cost of $57 million.
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The Japanese star, in turn, declined his $15 million option.
At this point, it was thought that the 2024 rookie of the year candidate would be an ex-Cub and headed into the free agent market.
The Cubs then, to the surprise of many, offered Imanaga a $22 million qualifying offer for the 2026 season.
In another shocker for the baseball community, Imanaga actually accepted Chicago’s qualifying offer rather than hit the open market.
Imanaga speaks
Video Thumbnail: Shota Imanaga on Cubs, first MLB All Star Game
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Now, after all those twists and turns in the Cubs-Imanaga relationship, the pitcher in question has finally gone public with his reasoning behind staying with the team in 2026.
“It’s a huge decision, but at least I know where I’ll be playing next season, so I feel a great sense of relief,” Imanaga told Yahoo Sports Japan. “In MLB, you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow, so for me, taking that into account and everything else, ‘It’s America,’ is my motto. Of course, I’ve been in Chicago for two years, so I have an attachment to it. I love the city, and it’s a comfortable place to live.
“Just like a duck recognizes the first thing it sees as its parent, for me, the first city I came to, the first fans I saw, and the first field I played on are the Chicago Cubs, and they’ll stay with me forever. In that sense, I’m really glad I started with the Cubs.
“I think it’s best to cut off any escape routes, so I’m not taking any insurance. I’m a gambler, even if I’m not strong, and with a one-year contract, if I don’t get results, it’s all over, and if I get injured, it’s no good, so there’s no escape route. But I think it’s easier for me that way. I’ll do my best to finish the season on a good note.”
The real reason behind Imanaga’s decision?
Oct 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) reacts after giving up a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
So, in short, Imanaga’s public stance is that he wants to stay because he likes Chicago and feels comfortable there. Privately, though, he may be banking on a bounce-back year in 2026 before moving on to a bigger free agent deal the following year.
Headed into 2026, the 32-year-old’s market value would’ve been diminished. 2025 was on off year, filled with injury and inconsistency where the long ball plagued him and cost him a place in manager Craig Counsell’s postseason circle of trust. Even though he still delivered a respectable 3.73 ERA, it was clear by the end of the season that he was “off.”
If Imanaga can come close to replicating his 2024 success (15-3, 2.91 ERA in 173.1 innings) the coming season, he will command a much heftier free agent contract headed into 2027, even at 33 years of age.
The Chicago Cubs were leaving the door open, but…
Jul 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer walks on the sidelines before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Prior to him accepting the Cubs’ qualifying offer, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer was talking like they expected Imanaga to be moving on, although he was very diplomatic in the way he put it.
“We obviously value Shota a ton,” Hoyer told the Marquee Sports Network at November’s GM meetings in Las Vegas. “I think he was amazing for us as a pitcher, as a teammate and, you know, I don’t want to close that door completely by any stretch. But ultimately, we didn’t think that the club option was the right value, he didn’t think that the player option was the right value and, you know, that happens.”
Of course, Hoyer and the Cubs were well aware that Imanaga accepting their qualifying offer was a possibility, so they couldn’t have been too shocked at the way things turned out.
For now, however, Imanaga remains a Cubs and will carry a chip on his shoulder, looking to rebound from a rough year. Chicago is reportedly looking to add another high-end arm to the front of their rotation to work alongside Imanaga.
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