"Is he any good? Imai seems likely to be the most impactful player who has been posted from Japan entering 2026, although Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto, a pair of corner infielders, could make their case as well. Mainly featuring a fastball, slider, and changeup, Imai has a six-pitch mix in total. He has a three-quarters arm slot, with a fastball sitting at 95 and touching 99 mph. Here's a more thorough breakdown from MLB.com:"
"Jim Allen, who has covered Japanese baseball for a long time, spoke about Imai recently. Allen feels that Imai has "all the tools" to succeed in MLB, and showed "a steady growth pattern, improving in every category year after year." Imai threw eight no-hit innings in an April start, which was finished off for a combined no-hitter. In June, he struck out 17 batters in a complete game in which he walked none."
Tatsuya Imai is a 27-year-old right-handed starting pitcher who spent eight seasons with the Seibu Lions and was posted on November 19 with a January 2 posting deadline. He features a six-pitch mix led by a fastball that sits at 95 mph and touches 99 mph from a three-quarters arm slot, complemented by a slider and changeup. Scouts project him as one of the most impactful Japanese postings entering 2026 due to steady growth, strikeout ability, and standout outings including eight no-hit innings and a 17-strikeout complete game. He finished behind Hiromi Itoh for the Sawamura Award.
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