Japanese Ace Tatsuya Imai Could Sign During Winter Meetings
Japanese Ace Tatsuya Imai will be one of the top names on the free agent market this offseason, with multiple contending teams expected to show interest in him. The Japanese market is the strongest it’s been in years and could start to see some of the top names fly off the board in the coming weeks, with the Winter Meetings rapidly approaching.
Tatsuya Imai Could Sign Soon
Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that the market for Japanese RHP Tatsuya Imai is reportedly “moving”, and some executives expect him to sign at next week’s winter meetings. The latest day he can sign is on January 2nd, and he’s scheduled to meet with teams soon. Imai is regarded as one of the top pitchers currently available.
His competitive focus on the Los Angeles Dodgers is expected to influence the bidding among teams. He appears comfortable with the challenges of playing in a primary market and has experience performing in serious situations. Multiple teams have expressed interest in him, and he could receive a nine-figure contract.
Are The Yankees or the Giants Considered An Option?
The New York Yankees are considered the favorite to sign him this offseason, and currently, there is no clear competitor. The San Francisco Giants were previously considered a major contender for Imai this offseason.
Still, new reports indicate they are unwilling to meet his reported contract demands and may instead pursue pitchers such as Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly. The Giants’ approach is viewed as cautious, following last year’s trade for Rafael Devers from the Boston Red Sox.
The other team associated with Imai is the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies were among the top teams considered for Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but it appears unlikely they will make a significant financial commitment to sign Imai this winter.
With Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto approaching free agency, resources may be allocated toward re-signing them. Dave Dombrowski may prioritize areas other than adding a starting pitcher, given the presence of Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez, and the need for outfielders.
How Much Will He Sign For?
Tatsuya Imai is projected to sign for over $175 million on a seven- or eight-year contract. At just 27, Imai offers multiple prime seasons ahead, giving teams confidence to commit to a long-term agreement. He is expected to command an annual salary of $21 million, which represents a bargain in today’s pitching market.
Imai has been consistently durable in Japan, avoiding significant injuries and improving each year. Previously, Imai struggled with control, but he has addressed this issue and ranked among the league’s top pitchers last season with the Saitama Seibu Lions. His compact build and low release point make him especially effective, closely resembling Yamamoto.
