"On the other hand, it's possible Imanaga was hoping for a QO to improve his earnings in 2026, after which he can head back to Japan to avoid MLB's likely labor stoppage. I'm not sure he'll be able to beat two years, $30 million on the open market while saddled with qualifying offer penalties that could include up to two lost draft picks and $1 million in international pool money."
"The Cubs have extended a $22.025 million qualifying offer to righty Shōta Imanaga for 2026, and he has until 4pm ET on November 18 to accept or reject it. The Cubs recently declined their three-year, $57.75 million option on Imanaga, who then declined his own player option for $15.25 million. That last part was telling, as it would have also guaranteed him at least $15.25 million in 2027 (pending incentives for a top-10 Cy Young finish)."
The Cubs extended a $22.025 million qualifying offer to right-hander Shōta Imanaga for 2026, with a 4pm ET November 18 deadline. The Cubs declined their three-year, $57.75 million option on Imanaga, and Imanaga declined his $15.25 million player option. Declining guaranteed pay for two years signals a bid for a larger free-agent deal, with reps citing a May hamstring injury. He might accept the QO to secure 2026 income and then return to Japan to avoid a likely MLB work stoppage, though penalties could curb suitors. Because the Cubs stayed below the CBT threshold, their compensatory pick will fall after Competitive Balance Round B, likely mid-to-late 70s.
Read at Cubsinsider
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