The Philadelphia Phillies have looked to make their name known in the Japanese market for a while. There have been a few names in the past that have caught their attention, like Yoshinobu Yamamoto before the 2024 season. The Phillies reportedly offered him more money than the Dodgers, proving their willingness to open the checkbook if they get the opportunity.

The Phillies still have that chance to land a Japanese star with right-handed starter Tatsuya Imai on his way to Major League Baseball. Imai is a 27-year-old starter who currently plays for the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) but is bringing his talents to MLB as he will reportedly be posted next week.

Phillies have their shot to land Japanese star Tatsuya Imai

Nov. 19 is the expected date for Imai to be posted, opening that 45-day negotiating window. He will certainly bolster the free agent pitching market this winter, and the Phillies are reportedly one of the favorites to land him.

MLB insider David Vassegh was on MLB Network last week and revealed the favorites who are pursuing Imai. The Phillies have a shot to bring in a top arm in back-to-back offseasons, and Imai would fit that mold.

“Speaking to some sources with my Japanese friends out there, ” Vassegh says. “They told me that the Yankees, [Dodgers], Blue Jays, Mets and Phillies are the leading candidates to sign Imai, along with the Padres… so are the teams that are going to pursue him heavily.”

Japanese star Tatsuya Imai will reportedly be posted for MLB teams next week đź‘€@THEREAL_DV reveals which teams are interested according to his sources.@Jared_Carrabis | @Joelsherman1 pic.twitter.com/sueViBPyDR

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 15, 2025

Imai has played in Japan for nine seasons and is trying to cash in on one of his best years of his career. In 24 starts in 2025, he pitched to a 10-5 record and a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts across 163 2/3 innings. He also sported a 0.89 WHIP, which, if he played stateside, would be tops in MLB. The right-hander has a 99 mph fastball along with a nasty slider and changeup in his arsenal.

The Phillies have their natural disadvantages when it comes to trying to dip into the Japanese market. Geographic location doesn’t favor them, along with the colder weather in the northeastern part of the country.

As a result, the Dodgers have been able to bring in seemingly any player they want from Japan. It doesn’t make it an impossibility, and that’s what the Phillies are hoping now with Imai. He’s a top talent and still young enough to make an extended impact on an already established Phillies rotation. They have the flexibility on the roster and payroll to bring in a player like Imai, and it would only add to the powerhouse that is the Phillies’ pitching staff.