{"id":502467,"date":"2026-01-02T06:31:24","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T06:31:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/502467\/"},"modified":"2026-01-02T06:31:24","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T06:31:24","slug":"chicago-cubs-target-is-off-the-board-imai-signs-cheapo-deal-with-houston-astros","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/502467\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Cubs target is off the board; Imai signs cheapo deal with Houston Astros"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs must now employ a plan B when it comes to starting pitching as one of their reported top offseason targets has come off the board.<\/p>\n

More News: What if the Chicago Cubs don\u2019t land their free agent targets?<\/a><\/p>\n

According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, Japanese starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai has just signed with the Houston Astros.<\/a><\/p>\n

The reported three-year, $54 million deal<\/a> (with opt-outs after each season<\/a>) is a bit surprising when considering that the 27-year-old righty was widely projected to land a 6-7 year contract worth somewhere between $135-$175 million.<\/p>\n

Also surprising was the fact that the Astros landed Imai at all, considering that all media reports pointed to the Yankees and the Cubs as the front runners for his services and almost none mentioned Houston.<\/p>\n

Frustration as Chicago Cubs fail to land Imai
\n\"\"Jul 18, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer walks on the sidelines before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

More News: Big Chicago Cubs-St.Louis Cardinals trade is not so far-fetched anymore<\/a><\/p>\n

Where surprise turns to frustration for Chicago, though, is that the relative bargain price placed Imai well within the budgetary reach of the Cubs. The short-term deal, opt-outs and all, also made him a low-risk acquisition for a front office that has prided itself on being able to sniff out bargain deals for top quality talent.<\/p>\n

Imai has been a dominant force for the NPB, pitching for the Saitama Seibu Lions and delivering a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 163.2 innings last season. Since 2022, he hasn\u2019t posted an ERA greater than 2.70.<\/p>\n

There had been some concerns about the pitcher\u2019s size and slender frame (5-foot-10 or 5-foot-11, 140-154 lbs., depending on the source) and his durability as a full-time starter in major league baseball. For comparison, the Cubs\u2019 Shota Imanaga is listed as 5-foot-11, but weighs about 30 lbs. more.<\/p>\n

Doubts and question marks
\n\"MLB:MLB: San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs Apr 4, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Jed Hoyer President of the Chicago Cubs prepares to throw balls to fans before a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

As recently as December 18, in a piece for The Athletic, insider Patrick Mooney reported<\/a> that, according to his sources within the Cubs organization, Imai was not actually viewed \u201cas an absolutely must-have pitcher right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mooney also revealed the following:<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Evaluators have questions about whether Imai is more of a middle- or back-of-the-rotation starter than a budding ace, and how to value the Japanese pitcher\u2019s first major-league contract in that context.\u201d<\/p>\n

But, again, about $18 million per season on a short-term deal for a starting pitcher with front-of-rotation possibilities is a steal in this current market. If the Cubs failed to pull the trigger on this deal, it\u2019s probably because their questions about Imai were closer to raging doubts. One has to wonder as well whether they were ever really as \u201cin\u201d on the Japanese star as reported.<\/p>\n

Cubs\u2019 immediate future plans
\n\"ZacSep 3, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws against the Texas Rangers in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

With Imai off the market, though, the Cubs\u2019 immediate future takes clearer shape.<\/p>\n

The need for a high-end starting pitcher is still there. Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga make up a solid core and Justin Steele should be back from elbow surgery by mid-season. There\u2019s just not a lot of guaranteed durability there, with all but Boyd spending significant time on the IL last season and Boyd, himself, having a history of injury.<\/p>\n

Zac Gallen has been a rumored Cubs target and he just may be the kind of starting pitching workhorse the team needs, despite his less eye-appealing stats. Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez are still available. There\u2019s also the possibility that the front office could swing a deal for a high-end starter using assets such as Matt Shaw or Moises Ballesteros, especially if they end up signing free agent third baseman Alex Bregman.<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

Chicago Cubs have checked in on premier free agent during 2025 free agency
\n Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\tFor More Great Chicago Sports Content<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News<\/a>, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.<\/p>\n

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23<\/a> for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE <\/a><\/p>\n