CHICAGO, IL – Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga has electrified the Chicago Cubs fanbase with rumored comments expressing his strong desire to return to the North Side, despite becoming a free agent after a complex series of contract declines by both the player and the club.
The statement—“If I have a chance to return to the Cubs, I’ll take it anytime!”—highlights the strong personal connection Imanaga felt toward the organization and the fans during his two seasons in Chicago, which saw him dazzle with a 3.16 career ERA (through 2024 and 2025).
Why the Reunion is the “Hottest Topic”
The possibility of a reunion between Imanaga (the main character in this contract saga) and the Cubs is the hottest topic of the offseason because it perfectly addresses the Cubs’ top priority while offering a potential solution to Imanaga’s complex free agency status.
1. Cubs’ Desperate Need for Pitching: Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer has been crystal clear that the team’s top priority this offseason is “pitching, pitching and more pitching.” The rotation is currently thin, with All-Star Justin Steele out for part of 2026 due to injury. Imanaga would instantly re-anchor the staff.
2. No Bad Blood: Despite the public drama of the club declining its three-year, $57 million option and Imanaga declining his resulting $15.25 million player option, both sides have maintained that the split was purely business. Hoyer confirmed there is no disconnect or bad blood between the organization and Imanaga’s camp, leaving the door open for a new contract.
3. The Two-Year Compromise: Imanaga now faces a decision on the one-year, $22.025 million Qualifying Offer (QO) extended by the Cubs (due by November 18). While he is expected to decline the QO to seek a multi-year deal, insider Bruce Levine has suggested that a new two-year contract could be worked out between the Cubs and Imanaga’s agent, circumventing the QO entirely or signing after the deadline.
- This short-term deal would allow Imanaga to stabilize his performance (which regressed late in 2025 due to home run issues) before re-entering free agency.
- It would allow the Cubs to secure a high-value pitcher without committing to the full three years they initially hesitated on.
Imanaga’s desire to return provides the Cubs with a familiar, high-upside option to solidify their pitching staff without having to navigate a complicated and potentially expensive trade market for an ace.
With the focus heavily on the pitching staff, the Cubs are also exploring trade options. Would you like to check the latest buzz regarding a potential trade target like Dylan Cease?
