Ideal SF Giants pitching target is off the board after qualifying offer decision

With the SF Giants looking to add pitching this offseason, Shota Imanaga seemed like a logical fit after the Chicago Cubs declined their option on his contract. However, he is now heading back to the Cubs after accepting their qualifying offer.

The Cubs declined their option on Imanaga's contract and he declined his player option which allowed him to hit free agency but the Cubs still extended him a qualifying offer. After a rough finish to the 2025 season, Imanaga probably knew that he would not get more than the $22.025 million he will get with the qualifying offer.

SF Giants lose out on Imanaga after QO decision

Imanaga had a 3.73 ERA on the year in 25 starts although his numbers dropped off in the second half and his strikeout numbers were down. He had just 117 strikeouts in 144 and 2/3 innings which was a decline in his strikeout rate in 2024 when he had 174 strikeouts in 173 and 1/3 innings pitched.

The Japanese native was an All-Star in his rookie campaign in 2024 after pitching for many years in Japan. The Giants were rumored to be interested in him when he was first posted prior to the 2024 season but he ended up signing with the Cubs.

He seemed like he would have been a nice fit at Oracle Park which could have had a neutralizing effect on his high home run rate in 2024.

Alas, now the Giants will have to set their sights elsewhere. They probably need two proven starting pitchers this offseason to feel confident about their rotation and there is no shortage of options out there.

There will be pitchers at the top end of the market like Framber Valdez and Tatsuya Imai, but if we are to believe the comments of Giants chairman Greg Johnson then it seems like the team will not pursue a nine-figure contract for a starter.

There are still plenty of mid-tier options out there like Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly the Giants can pursue. There are also 40-something-year-old veterans like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander out there who the Giants can get on a one-year deal and roll the dice that they can squeeze another solid season out of an aged pitcher like they did with Verlander in 2025.

The Giants should be active in all markets as they try to improve their pitching, but Imanaga is one target who is now off the board.