Report: Shōta Imanaga Expected to Decline Qualifying Offer

AP Photo/Nam Y. HuhJon Heyman of the New York Post has reported that starting pitcher Sh\u014dta Imanaga is expected to decline the Qualifying Offer and hit the free agent market. “Early word is that Shota Imanaga is expected to decline the $22M qualifying offer,” Heyman wrote on Tuesday evening.

The $22 million qualifying offer (QO) represents a $1 million increase from last year. The Cubs would be eligible for a draft-pick compensation if Imanaga signs elsewhere. The same type of compensation would apply if Kyle Tucker signs with another team this offseason.

Both Imanaga and the Cubs declined their respective options, sending the 32-year-old into free agency. However, his rejection of the…