Cubs and Imanaga Reach Surprising Agreement
The Chicago Cubs found themselves in a precarious position regarding one of their key starting pitchers, Shota Imanaga. As negotiations for a new contract unfolded, both parties grappled with the prospect of a lengthy commitment, particularly in light of Imanaga’s underwhelming performance towards the end of the season. The Cubs appeared hesitant to tie themselves to a three-year deal, prompting a mutual rejection of previous options on the table.
In a strategic move, the Cubs extended a qualifying offer of $22.025 million, aiming to retain Imanaga for another season. This decision not only reflects the team’s current scarcity of reliable pitching options but also serves as a safeguard, ensuring they would receive a draft pick should another team pursue the Japanese left-hander.
Imanaga’s Acceptance of the Offer
As the clock ticked down to the deadline, news broke that Imanaga had accepted the qualifying offer, securing his return to the Cubs for the 2026 season. This development, first reported by Patrick Mooney, adds an unexpected twist to the offseason narrative.
A Troubling Season
Despite the positive outcome for Imanaga, the past season painted a different picture on the field. During the summer months and into the playoffs, the lefty became a significant liability, particularly when it came to surrendering home runs. By season’s end, he had become one of only eight pitchers to allow over 30 home runs. His struggles continued into the postseason, where he pitched a mere 6.2 innings across two games, yet still found himself among the top six pitchers in terms of home runs allowed—an alarming statistic, especially considering that all but one of those pitchers had thrown over 15 innings in the playoffs.
Assessing Imanaga’s Career Performance
When looking at Imanaga’s career statistics, it’s perplexing to consider why the Cubs might have been reluctant to extend a long-term deal. His impressive record of 24 wins against 11 losses showcases his potential. Yet, the recent decline in his effectiveness raises questions about his value moving forward.
As the Cubs head into the offseason, the acceptance of the qualifying offer marks a significant moment—not just for Imanaga, but for a franchise navigating the complexities of roster construction in pursuit of success.
