Star Japanese Pitcher Imai Joins Astros with Potential $63M Deal
Star Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai has officially signed with the Houston Astros. The agreement confirms a three-year contract worth $54 million, with the potential to increase to $63 million. The deal includes opt-out clauses.
Tatsuya Imai: A Rising Star
Imai, 27, gained attention during this offseason as one of the most exciting free agents. He entered the posting system, drawing comparisons to standout pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Trey Yesavage.
Performance Highlights
During the 2025 season, Imai showcased his talent with the Seibu Lions in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. His impressive statistics included:
- Record: 10 wins, 5 losses
- Earned Run Average (ERA): 1.92
- Strikeouts: 178
- Walks: 45
- Innings Pitched: 163⅔
Imai’s command has continued to improve, as evidenced by a significant reduction in walks per nine innings, dropping from 5.1 in 2022 to 2.5 in 2025. His fastball velocity consistently ranges from 93 to 97 mph, peaking at 99 mph.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Among notable achievements, Imai pitched eight innings in a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka on April 18. He also set a record in his team for strikeouts in a single game, with 17 against Yokohama on June 17, surpassing Daisuke Matsuzaka’s previous record.
Financial Aspects of the Deal
The financial implications of this contract are substantial. The Astros must pay a posting fee of approximately $9.675 million to Seibu. Additionally, they will owe 15% on any earned bonuses and salary escalators included in Imai’s contract.
Why Astros Chose Imai
Imai is seen as a valuable addition to the Astros’ pitching rotation, especially considering that the team will not need to give up draft picks. Unlike other free agents, Imai’s contract does not require a qualifying offer, making him a more attractive signing.
This contract positions Tatsuya Imai among the elite pitchers in Major League Baseball, and fans are eager to see how his skills translate to the MLB stage.
