Via MLB.com

Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai is one of the better pitchers on the open market this offseason across the MLB landscape. After being posted by his NPB club, Imai is now available to sign with any club in the big leagues, but there is a catch to this timeline.

*PREDICTION*

Imai has until Jan. 2 to sign with a big league team; otherwise, he will head back to Japan for this cycle. Most people around the sport believe that the right-hander will ultimately join a club, but it’s just a matter of where at this point.

There seems to be a lot of interest around him this winter, and for good reason. The right-hander put up an ERA of 2.34, and he is just one of six pitchers in the NPB to allow two or fewer earned runs per nine innings.

Many scouts around baseball believe that Imai’s stuff on the mound will translate well to the big leagues, and this could see even more teams be interested in adding him. His strikeout rate of 27.8 percent led the NPB last year, and he came in second overall in strikeouts for the season.

However, if there are any major concerns with the right-hander, it’s been his command problems over the years. But teams could look to work with him on this, and the league has seen players come over to fix problems once they are in the big leagues.

Imai is being viewed by most as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter for the rotation, giving teams depth going forward. But if he could become an ace-like arm, the right-hander could be a real steal for a club this winter.

The veteran has already said that he isn’t interested in joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, but instead wants to go head-to-head against them. This could see him land with another club, giving more parity across the league among the Japanese players.

But where Imai may land remains to be seen, and will be something to watch as his signing deadline approaches. Overall, he remains a strong prospect for teams and could help change the trajectory of a starting rotation going forward.

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One team that could make a lot of sense for Imai is the Chicago Cubs. Chicago needs another arm for their starting rotation, and Imai could give this team more overall depth moving forward.

The Cubs made the playoffs this season, but due to a lack of quality arms in the pitching staff, they fell short. But if they could add someone like Imai to the mix, it could help this team get over the hump.

Chicago has signed a few players out of Japan over the years, and Imai could be next in line. Having guys like Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga on the roster already could help ease the transition to the United States.

Playing for the Cubs could offer Imai a chance to take down the Dodgers as well, adding more motivation for him to come to Chicago. Overall, the Cubs make a lot of sense for this, and they could be one of the better landing spots for the right-hander to consider.