The Chicago Cubs are widely viewed as one of the top potential landing spots for Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, who is considered by most to be the top starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market.
Of course, the Cubs are not known for spending money these days. Owner Tom Ricketts has been incessantly criticized by the fan base in recent years for not opening his wallet, so why would he shift gears for a completely unproven commodity like Imai?
Well, Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic has provided some context in that regard, revealing that he feels that the Cubs would be much more likely to pursue Imai if the contract numbers don’t get out of control.
“I certainly do think if you’re not getting to those crazy numbers ($150-200 million) that the Cubs are interested,” Sharma said on North Side Territory.
Sharma added that he doesn’t think Imai will land the type of deal that some are expecting, which should absolutely put Chicago in play.
Is Tatsuya Imai worth the risk for the Chicago Cubs?
Sep 17, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts in attendance before the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
As with any player coming over from an entirely different league, Imai is a risk.
Yes, he was terrific in Japan, most recently pitching to the tune of a 1.92 ERA while allowing 101 hits and registering 178 strikeouts over 163.2 innings of work in 2025. Since his professional career began in 2017, Imai has posted a 3.07 ERA and a 1.266 WHIP.
Whether or not those numbers will translate to the majors is another story, and the Cubs don’t need another good starter; they need an ace.
Can Imai actually represent that for Chicago?
It remains to be seen, and this is one time where you can understand the Cubs having some degree of caution when it comes to handing out a massive long-term contract.
Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez are also options for Chicago in free agency, although both arms could be out of the Cubs’ price range. That’s especially considering that both Valdes and Suarez are on the wrong side of 30.
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