“I want to take them down… Playing together with players like Ohtani, Yamamoto, Sasaki sounds fun, but I think beating a team like that and becoming world champions would be the most valuable thing in my life.”
This is what star Japanese free agent Tatsuya Imai said when discussing why he would NOT sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, which begs the question, who will he sign to?
Here’s why the Houston Astros need to throw the bag at Tatsuya Imai, and why this would be the best landing spot for Tatsuya. *This is a prediction, not a report*
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Tatsuya Imai Signs with Houston Astros: Proposal
Houston appears to be an ideal match. His elite repertoire combined with the Astros’ strong reputation for maximizing pitcher performance makes Houston a natural landing spot for Imai’s transition to MLB.
He would instantly slot in behind Hunter Brown and Cristian Javier, with the potential to rise to the No. 2 role in the rotation. For a team in urgent need of starting pitching and one that prioritizes high-end swing-and-miss stuff, Imai could provide immediate, high-level impact.
The challenge, however, is cost. At just 27 years old, Imai is poised to secure a major long-term deal, likely reaching nine figures, and he is expected to be one of the most in-demand arms available this offseason.
A massive long-term contract might conflict with the Astros’ efforts to stay below the first luxury tax threshold. Additionally, owner Jim Crane has historically been reluctant to hand out lengthy deals to pitchers in free agency. Even so, Imai’s age makes the idea of a long-term commitment more logical than most.
Other Tatsuya Imai Landing Spots
San Diego Padres: “The Padres have made plays to land other Japanese pitchers in years past, and this could be the big fish for them to land. Having veteran Yu Darvish on the roster, even if he won’t be pitching next season, can be an advantage since he is beloved by players in Japan.”
San Francisco Giants: “Coming off an 81-81 season, the San Francisco Giants are absolutely in play as they look to beef up their roster.”
Tatsuya Imai Stats
Overall, Imai has put together an impressive statistical résumé across his eight seasons in the NPB. During that time, he has compiled a 58–45 record with a 3.15 ERA and a 1.267 WHIP, showcasing consistent effectiveness and durability on the mound.