Shota Imanaga

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.

Shota Imanaga allowed three earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in Friday's loss to the Reds.

Fantasy Impact

After today’s performance, Imanaga now has a 3.17 ERA and 0.95 WHIP to go with a 9-7 record across 24 starts.