"Tatsuya Imai may be the biggest name departing from Japan, with the Saitama Seibu Lions accepting his posting on Sunday. The right-hander had a career-best 1.92 ERA and 0.892 WHIP in his 163.2 innings during the 2025 season with a mix consisting of a fastball, slider, curveball, and sinker. His slider collected a 45% whiff rate this season as he struck out 27% of the batters he faced."
"Several teams will obviously be heavily involved, with Francys Romero reporting that the Yankees are expected to be among the favorites in the sweepstakes for Imai. Jed Hoyer and the Cubs have built a strong relationship with Japanese players, making it a point to grow their reputation throughout NPB. The success of Seiya Suzuki and Shōta Imanaga - even though his current status is in limbo - will surely help them when negotiating with Imai, who will be represented by Scott Boras."
Tatsuya Imai has been posted to MLB after the Saitama Seibu Lions accepted his posting. He posted a 1.92 ERA and 0.892 WHIP over 163.2 innings in 2025. His arsenal includes a fastball, slider, curveball, and sinker. The slider generated a 45% whiff rate and he struck out 27% of batters faced. Several MLB teams are expected to pursue Imai, with the Yankees among the favorites and the Cubs showing interest through Jed Hoyer’s NPB relationships. Imai will be represented by Scott Boras. Contract projections are roughly 6–7 years and $135 million-plus, before the posting fee.
Read at Cubsinsider
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