Cubs, Phillies, Yankees Pursue Tatsuya Imai Signing
The Seibu Lions of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball have posted their star pitcher, Tatsuya Imai, for major league teams. The 27-year-old right-hander has until January 2, 2024, to finalize a deal with interested MLB clubs.
MLB Clubs Pursuing Tatsuya Imai
Several teams have already shown interest in signing Imai, including:
- Chicago Cubs
- New York Mets
- Baltimore Orioles
- Philadelphia Phillies
- New York Yankees
Strong Interest from the Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are emerging as serious contenders in the Imai sweepstakes. According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Cubs are expected to be a strong player in this market. They previously extended an offer to Dylan Cease, who recently signed with the Blue Jays.
Currently, the Cubs’ rotation features Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon, among others. With ace Justin Steele recovering from UCL surgery, the need for a robust starting pitcher has become increasingly evident.
Imai’s Impressive NPB Track Record
Tatsuya Imai is a standout pitcher in Japan, having recorded a sub-3.00 ERA for four consecutive seasons. In 2025, he achieved a career-low 1.92 ERA over 163 innings, showcasing his skill as one of NPB’s hardest throwers. His pitching arsenal includes:
- Fastball (up to 99 mph)
- Slider
- Splitter
- Changeup
His ability to strike out batters has been notable, with a 27.8% strikeout rate and a low walk rate of 7% last season.
Potential Fit for the Phillies and Yankees
For the Philadelphia Phillies, signing Imai could provide stability to their pitching staff. The team retains key players like Aaron Nola but faces uncertainties with others, including Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, both of whom are nearing free agency. Imai’s arrival could strengthen their rotation, easing future concerns.
The New York Yankees, while less urgently in need of pitching, might consider Imai a valuable addition. With significant veteran pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, the Yankees possess some depth but are exploring improvements for their roster.
Upcoming Timeline for Negotiations
Teams interested in Tatsuya Imai must act swiftly, as the deadline for negotiations is January 2, 2024. The signing team will also incur a posting fee to the Seibu Lions, which equates to 20% of the first $25 million of the contract, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any guaranteed money beyond that amount.
As interest grows, it will be fascinating to see which team secures the services of Imai, whose explosive talent could shape the future of their pitching staff.
