The Chicago Cubs face a pivotal decision regarding Shōta Imanaga’s future with the team in 2026. With an underperforming second half in 2025, should the Cubs exercise his club option or let him walk?
As the 2025 MLB season comes to a close, the Chicago Cubs are faced with one of their most important offseason decisions regarding Shōta Imanaga. The Japanese left-hander, who signed a multi-option contract before the 2024 season, has shown potential but struggled in the second half of 2025. With various contract routes in play, the Cubs’ front office, led by Jed Hoyer, must decide if Imanaga is worth retaining for the future.
Shōta Imanaga’s Contract Options: A Complex Situation
Shōta Imanaga’s contract presents the Cubs with multiple options that could shape the team’s pitching staff for the 2026 season and beyond.
- Club Option: The Cubs can exercise a three-year club option worth $57 million — $20 million for 2026 and 2027, and $17 million for 2028. While this option is reasonable if Imanaga can return to his stellar first season form, his struggles in the second half of 2025 raise questions.
- Player Option: Alternatively, Imanaga has the option to exercise a $15 million player option for 2026, which would trigger a $42 million club option for 2027-2028. If the Cubs decline the club option, Imanaga could once again exercise a player option for $15 million in 2027.
- Free Agency: If both parties decline their options, Imanaga will become a free agent, with the Cubs having the opportunity to offer a qualifying offer of $22.025 million for 2026. If he signs elsewhere, the Cubs would receive a compensatory draft pick.
Why the Cubs Should Consider Exercising Imanaga’s Club Option
Despite a disappointing second half in 2025, Shōta Imanaga still has potential. Here’s why the Cubs might want to exercise the $20 million club option:
- Proven Success: Imanaga was exceptional during his first season with the Cubs, showing ace-level potential before injury struggles. With time to recover from his hamstring injury, he could return to form in 2026.
- Cost-Effective Option: At $20 million for 2026, Imanaga’s option offers good value compared to what the Cubs might pay for an equivalent pitcher on the open market.
- Marketing Value: Imanaga brings substantial value to the Cubs beyond just pitching. His popularity among the Japanese fanbase has contributed to international attention for the team. Keeping him would strengthen the Cubs’ global reach.
The Risks of Letting Imanaga Walk
Declining Imanaga’s option would mean the Cubs lose a potential key pitcher for 2026. While the Cubs could explore other options, losing a pitcher with Imanaga’s proven ability and cost-effectiveness might leave them scrambling to fill the void, potentially at a higher price.
The Future of the Cubs’ Pitching Staff
The decision surrounding Shōta Imanaga is just one of many pivotal moves for the Cubs this offseason. With a need to improve their starting pitching depth, this contract decision will play a major role in the team’s strategy moving forward.
Should the Cubs retain Imanaga, they will have a left-handed starter with the potential to be a stabilizing force in their rotation. If they move on, the Cubs will need to find a suitable replacement that fits their long-term goals.
The Cubs’ decision on Shōta Imanaga’s contract will have a lasting impact on the team’s pitching staff and overall strategy for the 2026 season. With a mix of risk and reward, the Cubs must carefully weigh whether to commit to Imanaga for another year or move in a new direction. This offseason, the Cubs’ front office will be under the spotlight, with Imanaga’s future serving as a key puzzle piece in the team’s roadmap to success.
