Shota Imanaga is staying in Chicago.
The Japanese left-hander accepted a qualifying supply to return to the Cubs on Tuesday somewhat than check free company, the crew introduced.
The choice comes simply days after it appeared the 2 sides had been headed in reverse instructions this winter.
Earlier this offseason, the Cubs declined a three-year choice that will’ve paid Imanaga $57.75 million over the 2026-28 seasons.
Imanaga, 32, then declined a $15.25 million participant choice for the 2026 season.
He’ll now make $22.025 million in 2026 earlier than getting a shot on the open market subsequent winter.
“It felt like a no brainer for us,” Cubs normal supervisor Carter Hawkins mentioned earlier this month of giving the southpaw the qualifying supply. “We like Shota lots. Clearly, we get pleasure from having him … I do know it was a sophisticated contract construction.”
Imanaga came visiting from Japan earlier than the 2024 season, signing a four-year, $53 million cope with choices.
His huge league profession obtained off to a wonderful begin, as he posted a 2.91 ERA over 173 1/3 innings and completed fourth within the Nationwide League Rookie of the Yr voting and fifth within the NL Cy Younger race in 2024.
This previous season, Imanaga was pitching at close to Cy Younger ranges in the course of the first half earlier than a shaky efficiency down the stretch, ending the yr with a 3.74 ERA.
The previous All-Star is one in every of 4 gamers to simply accept the qualifying supply this week.
Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham took the QO to return to The Bronx.
Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff and Tigers infielder Gleyber Torres additionally took the supply.
9 gamers declined the QO — together with Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker — to enter free company.
