Left-hander Shota Imanaga is accepting the $22.025 million qualifying offer to return to the Cubs, a source told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand on Tuesday. Kyle Tucker is rejecting the offer as he seeks a long-term deal. The club has not confirmed the moves.

In an early offseason twist, Imanaga became a free agent when the Cubs declined to pick up the three-year option in his contract – prompting Imanaga to decline a player option and hit the open market. He then received the qualifying offer from the Cubs.

Just two years ago, the left-hander burst onto the scene as a 30-year-old rookie, making the jump to the Majors from the Yokohama DeNa BayStars of Japan’s NPB. His jovial personality and on-field performance made him an instant fan favorite. Imanaga went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 29 starts,

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