Chicago Cubs: Counsell’s brutal tactical error has team reeling ahead of NLDS Game Two 5

Chicago Cubs bring back star player for 2026 in offseason surprise

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 6:42 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs entered the offseason unsure of what the roster would look like for 2026 after making an aggressive push in 2025.

The Cubs made a splash last year when they traded with the Houston Astros for right fielder Kyle Tucker.

Chicago didn’t do enough to fill out the roster at the trade deadline, and the team suffered for it. The Cubs finished behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central before the Brewers knocked them out in the NLDS.

It’s unclear if the Cubs will even try and compete with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers or Toronto Blue Jays for Tucker.

The Chicago Cubs are bringing back Shota Imanaga

Chicago Cubs: Counsell takes heat after feeble Wild Card Game Two loss, makes plans for Game Three 3 Oct 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) leaves the mound for a pitching change after giving up a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

However, Chicago will bring back an All-Star pitcher for 2026.

Per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, Shota Imanaga signed a $22 million qualifying offer to stay with Chicago.

“Shota Imanaga will be running it back with the Chicago Cubs after accepting the one-year, $22.025 million qualifying offer,” Mooney posted on X.

In 2025, Imanaga went 9-8 with an ERA of 3.73 in 25 starts. He made an All-Star appearance in 2024.

The Cubs chose not to pick up the left-handed pitcher’s three-year option at the start of the offseason. Imanaga tested free agency before deciding to sign the qualifying offer.

Imanaga struggled in the postseason, giving up an 8.10 ERA in two games pitched (6.2 innings). He allowed four runs in the Brewers’ 7-3 win over the Cubs in Game 2 of the NLDS.

The Cubs hope can be more like the pitcher he was in 2024. Obviously, Chicago was not willing to risk a three-year offer after the way he performed in the postseason.

Cubs Manager Craig Counsell Threw Player Under the Bus 3 Oct 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) reacts after giving up a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: