Shota Imanaga

Shota Imanaga worked with Chicago Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy on refining his mechanics during the offseason and will focus on adjusting his pitch mix throughout spring training.

Fantasy Impact

Imanaga posted a 2.65 ERA in the first half of the 2025 season but struggled mightily after the break, logging a 4.70 ERA in the second half. During offseason work with Hottovy, Imanaga focused on cleaning up his mechanics and strengthening his lower half. This spring, he is working on refining a sweeper from his “natural arm slot” while reintroducing his cutter and experimenting with a sinker grip that allows him to maintain velocity. Imanaga also elected not to pitch for Team Japan national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic, opting instead to dedicate camp to those adjustments and rebound from a difficult second half in 2025.

Shota Imanaga has accepted the Cubs' $22.025 million qualifying offer.

Fantasy Impact

The Cubs declined a three-year, $57.75 million option for Imanaga, but the lefty will return to the Cubs for one more year. He'll look to bounce back after a rough end to the 2025 season, but should remain a fixture in the Cubs' rotation.

The Chicago Cubs extended a one-year, $22.05 million qualifying offer to Shota Imanaga on Thursday. This move follows the team's decision earlier this week to decline Imanaga's three-year, $57.75 million option.

Fantasy Impact

The 32-year-old southpaw is coming off a 2025 regular season where he took a step back from his stellar 2024 rookie campaign. His ERA rose to 3.73 (from 2.91), his K/9 dropped to 7.3 (from 9.0), and his HR/9 increased to 1.9 (from 1.4). Imanaga could decline the qualifying offer to seek a larger or longer deal on the open market.

Shota Imanaga is now a free agent after both sides declined their options.

Fantasy Impact

The Cubs declined the team option to extend to a fifth year, which triggered an option for Imanaga to exercise a $15 million option, which he declined as well. The Cubs could still extend a qualifying offer to the lefty, but it's unclear at the moment. Imanaga would become one of the more interesting pitchers on the market heading into 2026.

Shota Imanaga allowed eight runs in 5 2/3 innings and took the loss against the Mets on Thursday.

Fantasy Impact

Imanaga was rocked for nine hits, while striking out three and walking one. He ends the regular season with a 3.73 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 144 2/3 innings.