The Chicago Cubs have been linked to a lot of different free agents in recent days.

They are reportedly interested in third baseman Alex Bregman, are showing interest in pitchers like Ranger Suarez, Tatsuya Imai, and Michael King, and could be looking to make a move in the trade market.

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The Cubs are even linked to free agent pitcher Zac Gallen. Although MLB insider Bob Nightengale falsely reported that the two sides agreed to a deal on Saturday afternoon, there is still a chance the North Siders land Gallen in free agency.

Now, we got another rumor/report that the Cubs are very high on Imai. It appears that the Japanese right-hander might be atop of the front office’s wish list as we head into the Winter Meetings.

“Cubs Insider has learned that the Cubs’ interest in Imai is very real, with the team expected to make a very serious push for the 27-year-old,” Jacob Zanolla said in an article.

There are definitely a bunch of different Cubs rumors out there right now. As a matter of fact, Chicago appears to be in on several of the top available free agents. But Imai feels like such a Jed Hoyer target.

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The right-hander comes over from Japan, where he played eight seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) League. He had a 3.15 ERA, 907 strikeouts, 14 complete games, and seven shutouts across 159 games.

In his most recent season pitching in the NPB, Imai was the most dominant pitcher in the league. He went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA, 178 strikeouts, and a 0.892 WHIP across 163 ⅔ innings with the Saitama Seibu Lions.

So, the Cubs having him high on their free agent board isn’t a total surprise. Insider Bruce Levine believes Imai is the best pitcher available on the open market, and the front office has been active in the Japanese market in recent seasons.

Chicago has signed both Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga from Japan over the past few offseasons. Suzuki signed with the Cubs on a five-year, $85 million deal back in 2022, and Imanaga agreed to a four-year, $53 million contract with the team in early 2024.

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Imai could now be the next big-time Japanese star to come to Chicago. He would be that frontline starter the team is looking for this offseason and will likely make a very strong impact in Year 1.

With the Winter Meetings beginning on Sunday, Cubs fans can expect Imai rumors to heat up. He has until January 2nd to sign with a team.