The Chicago Cubs have made a shocking move not by a new acquisition, but by having starter Shota Imanaga accept the Qualifying Offer (QO), a decision that commits $22.025 million to the rotation for 2026. 1This unexpected turn has forced the front office to adjust their spending strategy, and their sights are now clearly fixed on two high-impact, QO-rejecting starters: Dylan Cease and Michael King.
Insiders suggest that even with Imanaga back, the Cubs plan to add one more significant outside arm to challenge for a World Series title.2
🔭 The Two Top Targets: Risk vs. Floor
The Cubs are showing a willingness to pursue pitchers who rejected the QO, specifically because they are expected to receive a compensatory pick for Kyle Tucker signing elsewhere, offsetting the pick they would lose.3
| Pitcher | Status & Current Team | Cubs Fit Profile | Contract/Trade Outlook |
| Dylan Cease | Free Agent (Rejected QO) | High Ceiling Ace: Possesses front-of-the-rotation velocity and a slider that generates elite swing-and-miss. He offers the highest upside to be the Cubs’ definitive ace (Source 1.2, 3.2). | Expected to command a high-AAV, shorter-term contract (3-4 years) or a major trade package (Source 2.3). |
| Michael King | Free Agent (Rejected QO) | Versatile & High-Floor: Known for his diverse arsenal (five pitches) and excellent contact rate against—qualities the Cubs prioritize (Source 2.2, 2.6). | Projects for a mid-tier deal (3-4 years, $75-90M total). Considered the “safest bet” with legitimate upside (Source 2.2). |
💥 Why This is a “Shocking” Move Post-Imanaga
Imanaga’s return for $22.025 million was widely unexpected and changes the Cubs’ balance sheet (Source 1.3, 1.6).4 Instead of signaling they are done, the Cubs are doing the opposite:
- Financial Flexibility Remains: Even with Imanaga’s contract, the Cubs’ estimated Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) payroll is still manageable (just under $191.5 million) (Source 3.3). 5They can still easily afford a Michael King deal and have the resources to pursue Cease (Source 1.2, 2.2).
- Need for a True Ace: Imanaga, who finished 2025 with a 5.17 ERA over his final 12 starts, is viewed as a high-floor, mid-rotation piece (Source 1.6, 3.5).6 The Cubs still lack the true, high-velocity frontline starter needed to compete with the Brewers and the rest of the NL. Cease (the high ceiling target) and King (the high floor target) are perfect complements.
- Focus on the Short-Term: The Cubs have shown a strong preference for avoiding massive contracts that extend far past the 2026 season (when the current CBA expires) (Source 1.4). Both King and Cease are likely to sign deals that align better with this shorter-term commitment strategy than other long-term options.
This aggressive pursuit shows that Jed Hoyer is not satisfied with merely securing a returning Imanaga and is committed to making a “sharper navigation” into the free agent pool to bring in a legitimate game-changer.
