"Imai's contract with the Astros came in at three-years, $54 million but it includes opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. While some experts predicted he would get a long-term deal worth over $150 million or more, the right hander has decided to bet on himself. He took a shorter term deal with a chance to show MLB teams that he's got what it takes to compete in North America, and could re-enter the free agent market next season."
"That lines up perfectly with what the Blue Jays' biggest needs may be after the 2026 season. Toronto potentially has three starters hitting the market themselves. Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber do not have contracts after this year, while José Berrios can also opt-out of his deal. That would leave a sizeable hole in the rotation going into 2027. Sure, Toronto has plenty of internal depth options at the moment that could force their way onto the roster by that time."
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto, an impact hitter from Nippon Professional Baseball. Tatsuya Imai agreed to a three-year, $54 million deal with the Houston Astros that includes opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. Imai accepted a shorter-term contract to prove himself in MLB and could re-enter free agency next offseason. That timing aligns with potential Blue Jays rotation needs after 2026, as Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber lack contracts and José Berrios can opt out. The Blue Jays possess internal pitching depth but prioritize acquiring high-upside arms to remain competitive against top teams.
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