Time is ticking for Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai to pick a team.

The posting window for Imai to sign with a Major League team officially closes in one week. The 27-year-old has until January 2 at 5 pm ET to make his decision. That means a decision regarding where he will play will come in the next few days.

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But where do the Cubs fit in the Imai sweepstakes?

According to reports, the Cubs appear to be one of the favorites to land the Japanese star. MLB insider Francys Romero said the North Siders are “expected to be finalists” for the right-hander, and MLB insider Jim Bowden predicts Chicago to sign Imai in free agency.

So, there is a good chance Imai winds up in the Windy City. The Cubs need a frontline starter this winter, and the front office has been very involved in the Japanese market over the past few offseasons.

Additionally, the New York Yankees could be out of the running for Imai. Although the Yankees have been linked to the 27-year-old this offseason, there might not be much there between the two sides.

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Yankees manager Aaron Boone said recently that the team has not met with Imai, and he was unsure if the Yankees would at all. Then, YES Network commentator Jack Curry went on air explaining that the connection between Imai and New York “does not exist.”

That could mean the Cubs are one step closer to landing their big-time starting pitcher this offseason. However, it will all depend on how much Imai wants to come over from Japan.

Patrick Mooney of The Athletic hinted that if Imai’s asking price reaches close to the $190 million price tag, Chicago will likely be out of the running for him. Sahadev Sharma also said a similar thing about the Cubs’ interest in him.

“I certainly do think if you’re not getting to those crazy numbers ($150 to $200 million) that the Cubs are interested,” Sharma said in an episode of the North Side Territory podcast.

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The biggest question surrounding Imai right now is what the right-hander could get in free agency. MLB Trade Rumors predicts the Japanese star to sign a six-year deal worth $150 million, while ESPN’s Kiley McDaniels has Imai signing for six years, $135 million.

If that is indeed the price tag for Imai, the Cubs could very well wind up with Imai. The Yankees appear to be out on him, and Chicago has enough payroll flexibility right now to make a move for a top-of-the-line rotation arm.

It all depends on if the right-hander’s asking price reaches upward of $170 million. If it does, the Cubs would likely bow out of the Imai sweepstakes.