"The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have emerged as the main finalists for starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai, with the Philadelphia Phillies also in the mix. His deadline to sign is January 2, which is rapidly approaching. Once Christmas has passed, all eyes will turn to the 27-year-old, who is represented by Scott Boras. Jack Curry of YES Network reported Tuesday evening that he doesn't believe Imai will end up in the Bronx."
"If the Yankees are indeed out on Imai, this could set Jed Hoyer up to make his big splash of the offseason. Hoyer has made it a point to create a positive reputation in Japan, with hopes of landing big stars making the transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to Major League Baseball. Seiya Suzuki and Shōta Imanaga have both had successful moves overseas, which serve as ringing endorsements of the Cubs and their hospitality toward Japanese players."
"Adding Imai's velocity to the top of the Cubs' rotation would give them a different look compared to the soft-throwing arms currently slotted to start games. He has significant upside, which is exactly what the Cubs should be targeting after winning 92 games in 2025. Making two big acquisitions does not appear to be in the Cubs' budget this winter, meaning that if they do land Imai, that likely ends their shopping at the top of the market."
Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old starting pitcher represented by Scott Boras, has finalists including the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees, with the Philadelphia Phillies also involved. His signing deadline is January 2. The Yankees lack a strong connection with Imai and may pursue Ryan Yarbrough instead to address rotation injuries. The Cubs have cultivated a positive reputation in Japan and successfully transitioned Seiya Suzuki and Shōta Imanaga to MLB. Adding Imai's velocity to the top of the Cubs' rotation would provide a different look and significant upside after their 92-win season. Budget limits likely make Imai the Cubs' primary big acquisition.
Read at Cubsinsider
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