Japan Times

The San Diego Padres need pitching, and Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai could be an option. 

This Friday, January 2, at 5 P.M. ET, the posting window closes for Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai.

He must sign within that period to play in the major leagues next season.

The 27-year-old pitcher posted a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings last year for the Seibu Lions of NPB. It was the best season in his career.

He was expected to command and receive a contract well into the $100 million range. As of Monday morning, reports from Japan and the Amai camp are that he has yet to receive an offer from any major league team. Nothing. Not one offer. That is really surprising considering his track record of success.

Imai owns a career 66-49 record with 1,045 strikeouts in 1,077 innings. He’s put up a 3.07 ERA and a 1.226 WHIP in his nine-year career for the Saitama Seibu Lions. He is the real deal.

At 5-foot-11 and around 160 lbs., Imai is not a large pitcher by any means. There are concerns about his command, though he has improved over the course of the last few years with his strike-throwing ability. Most see the pitcher as a mid-rotation starter with room to grow. He should eat innings and may flourish with major league coaching.

The 27-year-old pitcher tops out at 97-99 mph with his fastball and counters with multiple off-speed pitches, though his slider is his best off-speed pitch. “[My best pitch is] probably my fastball,” Imai said recently in an interview. “The key is not aiming low. I’m always trying to throw it up in the zone — about mask-high for the catcher when he sets up normally.” His velocity will play as long as he can maintain it late in games.

Tatsuya Imai does not want to join the Dodgers. Instead, he talks about taking them down. For the Padres, that is exactly what they want to hear from a potential new player.

Recently, in speaking with Daisuke Matsuzaka on the show “Hodo Station,” Imai revealed his feelings about the Dodgers. “Of course, I’d enjoy playing alongside Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki,” Imai told Matsuzaka, “But winning against a team like that and becoming a world champion would be the most valuable thing in my life. If anything, I’d rather take them down.”

This is an interesting statement from the pitcher.

Yu Darvish is out for the year, but the Padres are still getting value from the pitcher.

Darvish is widely considered the most successful Japanese pitcher to play in the majors and produce. He is the idol of many current pitchers in Japan. Tatsuya Imai is no different, as the veteran admires Darvish greatly. Yu Darvish reached out to Imai to talk about him playing in America.

Darvish sent this DM to Imai recently- “It’s been a while! It’s finally time for you to come to America. I’m sure you’ll be busy from now on, but take good care of yourself.”

Maybe it’s the concerns about his size. Perhaps teams are weary of him recording his best year in the last season of his contract. Whatever the case may be, he simply is not drawing the attention most thought he would on the open market.

So, where does that leave the Padres?

Only time will tell.

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.

Continue Reading