The Atlanta Braves have done an impressive job this MLB offseason, bolstering the bullpen by re-signing closing pitcher Raisel Iglesias and adding reliever Robert Suarez on a three-year, $45 million deal to serve as an elite set-up option. Together, they form a formidable late-inning duo. Yet despite the strength of the bullpen, questions remain about the starting rotation.

Injuries plagued the staff in 2025, leaving the group short of consistency, and the need for another proven arm at the top of the rotation is clear. Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has been aggressive in free agency, and one name that stands out as a potential fit is Japanese star Tatsuya Imai.

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Imai has until January 2, 2026, to sign with an MLB team. Over his career in Japan, he has developed into one of the country’s best starting pitchers, earning three Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star selections.

After eight seasons with the Seibu Lions, he was officially posted to MLB in November, opening a window for teams across the league to negotiate with him. His posting has already attracted significant attention from multiple contenders.

The numbers back up the hype. Imai has logged 963 2/3 innings in NPB, compiling a 58-45 record with a 3.15 ERA and 907 strikeouts. His breakout came in 2021, when he threw 163 1/3 innings with a 3.20 ERA and 139 strikeouts.

In 2025, the 27-year-old hurler elevated his game even further, finishing with a 10–5 record, an impressive 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts across 163 2/3 innings. Those numbers cemented his reputation as one of Japan’s most reliable frontline arms.

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Tyler Austin, who is rejoining MLB with the Chicago Cubs after a stint in NPB, offered high praise for Imai during an appearance on MLB Network Radio. “Really, really, really good stuff. I’m excited to see how it plays out for him over here,” he said. “I think he’s got the chance to be special. Really good slider. Different type of slider.”

For the Braves, Imai represents exactly the type of pitcher who could stabilize the rotation next year. His track record of durability, strikeout ability and success against elite competition internationally makes him a logical target.

Pairing Imai with Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach and Spencer Strider would give Atlanta one of the deepest rotations in baseball, complementing their already rebuilt bullpen and positioning the team as a legitimate World Series contender in 2026.