With the SF Giants looking to add pitching this offseason, Shota Imanaga seemed like a logical fit after the Chicago Cubs declined their option on his contract. However, he is now heading back to the Cubs after accepting their qualifying offer.
The Cubs declined their option on Imanaga's contract and he declined his player option which allowed him to hit free agency but the Cubs still extended him a qualifying offer. After a rough finish to the 2025 season, Imanaga probably knew that he would not get more than the $22.025 million he will get with the qualifying offer.