"It's almost a certainty that the Toronto Blue Jays will sign a starting pitcher this off-season. Not only is there a gaping hole in their rotation, but Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber are set to become free agents after the 2026 season, while José Berríos can opt out of his contract. That potentially leaves just Trey Yesavage and Eric Lauer as pitchers in their rotation."
"The 2024 season saw him log the most innings, post a sub-.3.00 FIP, and drop his BB% below 10% for the first time in his career. Imai was truly dominant in 2025, even in the current dead-ball era of NPB. In 163.2 innings pitched, Imai had a 1.92 ERA and 2.01 FIP, with a 27.8 K% and 7 BB%. Those numbers (aside from throwing nine and two-thirds innings fewer than in 2024) were the best of his career."
"Simply put, the Jays need to sign a starter, especially since next year's free agent class is rather weak, aside from Tarik Skubal. There are a handful of quality starters available in free agency this season, including Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who was recently posted. Despite standing at 5'11", 154 lbs, Imai sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and can touch 99 mph with run. His best secondary is his gyro slider."
The Toronto Blue Jays face a significant rotation need with Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber set to become free agents after 2026 and José Berríos able to opt out, potentially leaving Trey Yesavage and Eric Lauer as the only rotation options. Next year’s free-agent class lacks depth beyond Tarik Skubal, increasing urgency to add a starter now. Tatsuya Imai, recently posted from NPB, showed steady improvement from 2018 through 2025, peaking with a 1.92 ERA and 2.01 FIP in 2025 while improving strikeout rate and lowering walk rate. Imai pairs mid-90s velocity, touch of 99 mph, and a gyro slider as his best secondary offering.
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