Tatsuya Imai to Be Posted for MLB on November 19

The baseball world’s buzzing right now. Japanese pitching sensation Tatsuya Imai just officially hit the MLB market.

The 27-year-old righty, who’s been one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s most reliable arms, got posted by the Seibu Lions. That move kicked off his 45-day negotiation window with MLB teams.

He’s represented by high-profile agent Scott Boras, and Imai’s name immediately sparked interest. The New York Yankees and New York Mets seem especially eager, as teams look to beef up their rotations for 2025.

Imai’s Dominance in Nippon Professional Baseball

For the past three years, Imai’s been downright dominant in Japan’s top league. His ERA hasn’t gone above 2.34 in any of those seasons.

In 2025, he posted a brilliant 1.92 ERA. What really jumps out is how he’s improved year after year.

From 2023 to 2025, his strikeout rate jumped from 24.4% to a stellar 27.8%. At the same time, he cut his walk rate from 11.4% down to just 7%.

What Makes Imai Stand Out

Imai’s got a rare mix: velocity, sharp command, and real movement. His pitch selection keeps hitters guessing, and his cleaner mechanics mean fewer free passes.

In a league obsessed with precision, Imai’s steady climb has put him among Japan’s best. He’s exactly the kind of pitcher MLB teams crave—steady, talented, and still improving.

The MLB Posting Process and Potential Contract

Here’s how it works: once an NPB team posts a player, all 30 MLB clubs get a shot to negotiate for a set window. This time, it runs from November 19 to January 2.

If Imai signs, the Seibu Lions get a posting fee based on the contract’s value. Simple, but it can get pricey fast.

Massive Potential Payday

MLB Trade Rumors says Imai could score a six-year, $150 million contract. If that happens, Seibu would pocket a $24.375 million posting fee under the NPB-MLB agreement.

That would put Imai among the highest-paid Japanese pitchers to make the leap in recent memory.

Yankees’ Rotation Woes Offer Opening

The Yankees are in a tough spot with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt all rehabbing from surgery. Right now, their projected Opening Day rotation looks like this:

• Max Fried
• Cam Schlittler
• Luis Gil
• Will Warren
• Allan Winans

There’s some upside here, but not a ton of proven durability or top-end talent. Someone like Imai could really steady things, giving them reliable innings and a postseason-ready arm.

Competition from the Mets and Other Clubs

The New York Mets are reportedly interested too, but their chase may hinge on budget and other roster needs. Other MLB teams, especially those desperate for pitching, could jump in as well.

Imai is one of the few true aces on the market, so expect a real bidding war.

Alternate Targets: Lucas Giolito

If Imai gets too expensive, the Yankees are eyeing backup plans. Lucas Giolito is one option—a veteran righty with some All-Star flashes, though he’s been inconsistent since his injury.

He’d come at a much lower price, so he’s a fallback if Imai’s market explodes.

Boras Factor in Negotiations

With Scott Boras running the show, teams know they’re in for a tough negotiation. Boras has a reputation for squeezing every last dollar for his clients.

This process could drag out right up to the January 2 deadline. Would you expect anything less?

Final Thoughts

Tatsuya Imai’s posting stands out as one of the most intriguing storylines of the MLB offseason. He’s young, he’s got a solid track record, and his numbers just keep getting better.

Where will he end up? The Bronx, Queens, who knows—maybe somewhere totally unexpected. Whoever lands him is probably going to see their rotation take a serious leap forward.

The negotiation clock is already ticking. Front offices have about a month to make their move for one of the most sought-after arms to come over from Japan in recent years.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Tatsuya Imai To Be Posted November 19th