A wave of hope swept through North Chicago when Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer unexpectedly heaped praise on Shota Imanaga after the star left-hander accepted a qualifying offer for the 2026 season. The move is seen as a major boost for the Cubs in the midst of a tumultuous winter — and could be a pivotal moment in the team’s massive rebuild.
Hoyer told reporters that the Cubs weren’t surprised by Imanaga’s decision. On the contrary, he said it was exactly what the team needed:
“Having Shota back gives us a lot of clarity — from our rotation to our spending plan,” Hoyer said.
Imanaga, who started the season on fire before being held back by a hamstring injury, is now expected to make a big comeback. The Cubs believe that with a full rest and some fine-tuning of his pitching technique, he will return to the “Japanese monster” version that rocked MLB earlier this season.
Hoyer asserted:
“Shota is a guy with a strong will. He will come back even more dangerous.”
Imanaga’s qualifying offer gives the Cubs two important things: Stability in the rotation, which has been a major weakness late in the season. A clearer picture of the offseason budget, which will help the Cubs consider their remaining targets in the free market.
While he has not revealed the full plan, Hoyer hinted that the Cubs are looking at “mid-level but quality contracts,” and did not rule out the possibility of a big deal if the opportunity presents itself.
In the offseason update, Hoyer also confirmed that Matthew Boyd will play for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic. This is great news for Boyd personally, and a morale-boosting step for the Cubs.
“It’s a special honor to represent the country. We’re very proud of him,” Hoyer shared.
Although Boyd isn’t a regular starter for the Cubs, his experience and form at the WBC could benefit the team upon his return.
A notable point in Hoyer’s statement is the continued strong investment in the Japanese market, where the Cubs have achieved considerable success recently.
Specifically, the Cubs are closely monitoring:
Tatsuya Imai – a young shooter with the potential to become a rotation mainstay.
Munetaka Murakami – the super slugger who caused a sensation at the 2023 WBC, who could become a blockbuster signing upon joining MLB.
Hoyer frankly stated that the Cubs will continue to “spread their scouting across the Pacific Rim” as this region produces talent that fits the team’s new philosophy.
Keeping Imanaga and expanding the scouting network shows that the Cubs are gradually building a force for a strong comeback in 2026. If a big contract comes along, if Imanaga really explodes, and if the Cubs lock in more pieces from Japan… then the blue giant could become a force to challenge the entire division.
Hoyer concluded confidently:
“We’re not done yet. The Cubs have a lot of moves to make.”
And for Chicago, every word Hoyer says now could become a fire that heats up the offseason market. A winter full of drama, full of opportunity — and the Cubs are in the eye of the storm.
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