"The flamethrowing 27-year-old has until Jan. 2 to negotiate a deal with interested MLB clubs. The Mets, Cubs and Orioles have each been linked to the right-hander so far. The Cubs, in particular, are expected to be a "strong" player in Imai's market, per Bruce Levine of 670 The Score. They also made an offer to Dylan Cease before the former Cy Young runner-up (and former Cubs draftee) signed with the Blue Jays last week, according to Levine."
"The Cubs make a sensible fit for Imai, even after countryman Shota Imanaga accepted Chicago's $22.025MM qualifying offer, opting to forgo free agency in the process. Manager Craig Counsell's rotation currently includes Imanaga, Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon and . Ace Justin Steele is still on the mend from UCL surgery performed last April. He won't be ready for Opening Day. Javier Assad and could both factor in, too, but both have bullpen experience and minor league options remaining."
Tatsuya Imai was posted by the Seibu Lions on Nov. 19 and has until Jan. 2 to negotiate with MLB clubs. The Mets, Cubs, Orioles, Phillies and Yankees have been linked to the right-hander. The Cubs are considered a strong suitor and previously pursued Dylan Cease. Chicago's projected rotation currently includes Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon, while ace Justin Steele recovers from UCL surgery and will not be ready for Opening Day. Imai has posted sub-3.00 ERAs in each of the past four NPB seasons, including a 1.92 mark in 163 innings in 2025, and has increased strikeouts while lowering walks.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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