Shota Imanaga is staying in Chicago.

The Japanese left-hander accepted a qualifying offer to return to the Cubs on Tuesday rather than test free agency, the team announced .

The decision comes just days after it appeared the two sides were headed in opposite directions this winter.

Earlier this offseason, the Cubs declined a three-year option that would’ve paid Imanaga $57.75 million over the 2026-28 seasons.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) delivers during the first inning of Game 2 of baseball’s National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Milwaukee. AP

Imanaga, 32, then declined a $15.25 million player option for the 2026 season.

He will now make $22.025 million in 2026 before getting a shot at the open market next winte

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