Report: Shōta Imanaga Expected to Decline Qualifying Offer

Jon Heyman of the New York Post has reported that starting pitcher Shōta 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 QO doesn’t necessarily mean his time with the Cubs is over. The two sides could still work out a different deal, one that would give the Cubs greater flexibility as they enter a pivotal offseason in their contention window.

Evan wrote about the Imanaga situation on Tuesday afternoon, including comments from Jed Hoyer regarding the southpaw, and the team’s plans this offseason. You can read that here for more context.