"Jed Hoyer confirmed on Tuesday at the GM Meetings that pitching will be the Cubs' primary focus, though that's not really saying much because it's been evident for some time now. Even if Justin Steele is back for the start of the season and Shōta Imanaga either accepts the $22.025 million qualifying offer or works out a new deal, the rotation lacks dynamism beyond Cade Horton. What's more, the bullpen has been decimated by free agency and will need several reinforcements."
"Of course, Imanaga is far from a lock to return. While indications are that the two sides have had at least preliminary discussions about a new deal, Jon Heyman reported Tuesday evening that Imanaga is expected to turn down the QO. That's more than a little interesting, what with the circumstances surrounding his decision. He's coming off a very rough second half that saw him hand out homers like Halloween candy, plus teams that sign him would face penalties due to his QO tag."
"And let's not forget that Imanaga already turned down two years and at least $30.5 million. Saying no to the QO means he has to be confident he'll get more than that, or that he's not confident he can bounce back next season. Being able to lock in just over $22 million, or 44% more than he'd have earned had he picked up his 2026 player option, would mean he'd only have to get $8-9 million in 2027."
The Cubs are prioritizing pitching upgrades despite limited rotation dynamism beyond Cade Horton and a bullpen weakened by free-agent departures. Justin Steele's health and Shōta Imanaga's decision on the $22.025 million qualifying offer will materially affect rotation construction. Imanaga is reportedly expected to decline the QO after a poor second half and because teams signing him would face penalties from the QO tag. He previously turned down two years and at least $30.5 million, so rejecting the QO suggests a pursuit of a larger multi-year guarantee amid concerns about bounceback potential and looming labor uncertainty.
Read at Cubsinsider
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