3 offseason decisions the Cubs already need to be thinking about for 2026

There's no denying that the Chicago Cubs will be playing October baseball, and certainly, it is the goal of every season, but looking ahead, there are some important decisions facing the team this offseason. Once the Cubs' playoff run ends, Jed Hoyer's front office will need to be ready to get to work

A front office that could see some change. Hoyer isn't going anywhere after signing a multi-year extension ahead of the MLB trade deadline, but that may not be the case for Carter Hawkins. It would seem that Hawkins is ready for the next chapter of his career, interviewing with the Washington Nationals to become their next president of baseball operations. That is where we begin on the decisions facing the Cubs this offseason.

Will there be a new general manager under Jed Hoyer?

Currently serving as a general manager, Hawkins is in a position where he can be strategic about the type of job he pursues. For example, it's unlikely that he would have much interest in becoming the Baltimore Orioles' general manager, considering he would still be reporting to a president of baseball operations.

With Hawkins not landing the job with the Washington Nationals, conventional wisdom would suggest that he continues to serve as the general manager under Hoyer. After all, the Cubs have made the postseason for the first time since 2020, and as polarizing as recent comments may be, Hawkins has had a heavy influence on how this roster was constructed. However, if there is a surprise opening at the end of the season, the possibility remains that Hawkins could leave to serve as the top executive elsewhere.

Shota Imanaga's contract

There's an outside chance that Shota Imanaga could become a free agent this offseason. The Cubs will need to decide if they are going to pick up the 2028 option in Imanaga's deal, which would essentially mean a three-year extension worth $57MM. If the Cubs decline the club option, Imanaga will then have the decision on a $15MM player option, which he almost certainly would turn down, considering he would fetch a larger deal on the open market. On the off chance Imanaga picks up the option, the same decision will be at play after the 2026 season.

Not picking up the club option would be an egregious offense committed by the Cubs' front office. That should be the expectation, especially with how consistent Imanaga has been throughout his first two seasons with the team.

Kyle Tucker's free agency

Kyle Tucker's contract status has dominated the conversation of most things the Cubs have done this season. While Tucker was making the case to be the National League's MVP during the first half of the season, it made sense to think that the Cubs needed to exhaust every effort to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason.

Considering the awkwardness that has surrounded Tucker's second half, and availability being an issue like it was at the end of his time with the Astros, it almost seems that the Cubs are resigned to the idea that he won't be back next season.

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