3 internal replacements if Shota Imanaga declines the Cubs' qualifying offer

Reports suggest that Shota Imanaga will reject the Cubs' qualifying offer, so here are three pitchers on the team's current roster that will need to step up in 2026

John Fisher/GettyImagesIf Shota Imanaga ultimately declines the Chicago Cubs’ qualifying offer — a real possibility after both sides turned down multi-year options this offseason, the Cubs are going to need to sign at least one starting pitcher this offseason.

The good news for the front office is that three in-house options could pick up the innings and bring stability to the rotation. This is not an argument against signing another starter, just a look at the pitchers the team already has and how they could all have major roles…