Tommy Hottovy is stoked for a huge bounceback season from a key pitcher

I genuinely don't think it was ever the case that the Chicago Cubs felt Shota Imanaga had nothing to offer in 2026. I think there were long-term concerns that came with opting into the additional three years of his unique contract structure, which would take the left-hander into the back half of his 30s.

When Imanaga turned down his $15.25 million player option for 2026, he was set to hit free agency - and, again, it makes sense. Turn it down, put out some feelers and see what might be out there. And if what's out there isn't to your liking, you knew the Cubs were going to extend a qualifying offer, worth a tick over $22 million, so 'worst-case' scenario, Imanaga knew he could lock in next year with a nice pay bump over what he would have gotten via that player option.

That's how it played out, and Imanaga will be back in the fold for at least one more season. Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy, for what it's worth, is thrilled the 32-year-old southpaw is returning.

“He’s already been texting us,” Hottovy told MLB.com. “He feels like his arm slot and posture is back to where he felt like it was prior to the hamstring injury, which is a good sign. That means he’s trusting his lower body enough to get to those positions. That’s encouraging for us right now.”

Imanaga's sophomore season in the big leagues was marred by a lengthy IL stint thanks to a hamstring injury that cost him nearly two months. After returning, the Cubs and Imanaga were aware of some mechanical issues that were taking hold - which they believe directly contributed to his lack of effectiveness down the stretch.

Shota Imanaga believes he has plenty to offer the Cubs in 2026

As a fly-ball pitcher, home runs are going to be part of Imanaga's game. But late in the year, and into October, he was allowing long balls at a staggering rate - prompting Craig Counsell and the Cubs to give the ball to Colin Rea in Game 5 of the NLDS over a fully rested Imanaga. Chicago, of course, lost that game - and it seemed like that might be the final image of Imanaga in a Cubs uniform.

Instead, the lefty returns to a rotation mix that features Matthew Boyd, NL Rookie of the Year runner-up Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Rea and, at some point in the first half, Justin Steele, who missed the majority of the 2025 season with an elbow injury. Even with that mix, the Cubs are expected to pursue a top-end arm to bolster the rotation.

“It was just going to be a matter of time where he felt like he turned a corner,” Hottovy said. “And I think we were really close. I think we just ran out of time with the season. … He understands that he’s still got some stuff left on the table that he wants to continue to get better with. That’s exciting for us.”