The Chicago Cubs were recently reported to be one of two finalists for Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai in MLB free agency, with the other squad being the New York Yankees.
However, the Cubs may have just jumped in front based on the most recent development.
During an episode of Yankees Hot Stove, Yankees insider Jack Curry said he did not seem overly optimistic that New York would sign Imai, saying he wasn’t sure “there’s going to be a connection with the Yankees.”
New York has been very careful with its spending this winter and has yet to make any significant moves, so it would not be the least bit surprising if the Yanks are balking at Imai’s price tag, which is said to be in the $200 million range.
Enter Chicago, who could be in position to make a splash.
The Chicago Cubs need an ace, and Tatsuya Imai could the answer
Oct 1, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) leaves the mound for a pitching change after giving up a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Cubs rarely sign big-ticket free agents these days. Yes, they swung a blockbuster trade for Kyle Tucker last offseason, but most assumed that the four-time All-Star would depart the Windy City after one year, and that appears to be the end result.
S0 it would certainly be exciting if Chicago were to land Imai, one of the top pitchers on the free-agent market.
The Cubs have a strong rotation headlined by arms like Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele and Cade Horton, but they do not currently have a proven ace in their rotation. While the jury is still very much out on Imai in that department, there is no denying his vast potential.
Imai pitched to the tune of a 1.92 ERA with the Saitama Sebou Lions last season, allowing just 101 hits while racking up 178 strikeouts over 163.2 innings of work. The right-hander owns a lifetime 3.07 ERA since beginning his professional career in 2017.
Still just 27 years old, Imai would have the chance to lead Chicago’s rotation for years to come.
We’ll see if the Cubbies can get a deal done for the phenom.
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