#shota-imanaga

#shota-imanaga

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.

Right-hander Shane Bieber made the surprising call to exercise his $16MM player option with the Blue Jays rather than take a $4MM buyout and head into free agency yesterday. It's a move that leaves the Toronto rotation in much better shape than previously anticipated headed into free agency, as Bieber will now join Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios in the club's 2026 rotation.