fromMLB Trade Rumors
2 days agoWill The Imai Signing Spur An Astros Trade?
Imai settled for an $18MM average annual value that landed below most projections. Houston got a short-term deal at a reasonable salary by offering opt-out chances after each of the first two seasons. RosterResource projects their Opening Day payroll around $242MM. They're at an estimated $238MM in luxury tax commitments. The Astros also need to pay a $9.975MM release fee to Imai's NPB club, the Seibu Lions. That does not count against their luxury tax ledger, though it's a not insignificant sum for what could amount to one year of Imai's services if he opts out.
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