The Houston Astros knew coming to terms with Framber Vadlez was a long shot this winter, so they put their focus elsewhere. In January, they decided to sign Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai on a three-year deal. 

Imai had spent the last nine seasons in the NPB, playing for the Saitama Seibu Lions, where he was a three-time All-Star and pitched a combined no-hitter back in April. 

Now, he looks to fill some big shoes, replacing Valdez, who will now be suiting up for the Detroit Tigers after the two sides agreed to a three-year, $115 million contract. 

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Astros’ Tatsuya Imai headlines a list of ‘must-watch’ pitchers in Spring Training

Imai is just the latest Japanese star to come to the MLB. He follows the footsteps of guys like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Seiya Suzuki, and others. 

He headlines a list that MLB.com’s David Adler put together of ‘must-watch’ pitchers in spring Training. 

“Imai is the latest Japanese ace to come to the Major Leagues, following Roki Sasaki in 2025, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shota Imanaga in 2024 and Kodai Senga in 2023. The former Saitama Seibu Lions star looks a lot like Seattle Mariners All-Star Luis Castillo as a pitcher, but there’s only one way to say for sure: Watch Imai at his first Spring Training with Houston, where he’ll play a major role in 2026 with Framber Valdez departing for the Tigers.”

Adler gives Imai a Luis Castillo comp, mainly for his arm slot and the pitches in his arsenal. 

It will be interesting to see if Imai can live up to those expectations. There were worries that Japanese pitchers could have a tough transition coming to the big leagues, but with the recent success of Sasaki and Yamamoto, that has died down. 

Fans will want to keep a close eye on Imai. He has a big role to play if Houston wants to get back to the postseason.

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