NPB Pitcher Tatsuya Imai To Be Posted This Offseason

The Saitama Seibu Lions have stirred up both Japanese baseball and Major League Baseball circles by agreeing to post their star pitcher, Tatsuya Imai, this offseason. Now, MLB teams get a shot at negotiating with the 27-year-old righty—a standout in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with a live fastball and a strong resume.

Once Imai is formally posted, there’s a 45-day window for negotiations. His decision could shift not just his own career path but the entire offseason for MLB clubs desperate for pitching.

Tatsuya Imai’s Journey from NPB Star to MLB Prospect

Imai’s posting finally ends the long-running rumors about his jump to the majors. As a three-time NPB All-Star, he’s built a reputation as one of Japan’s most reliable arms, with a career 3.15 ERA over 963 2/3 innings.

He’s shown steady consistency on the mound, and his recent command improvements have only fueled the anticipation for his MLB debut.

Season-by-Season Growth and Control Improvement

In 2025, Imai displayed his sharpest command yet, dropping his walk rate to just 7.02% over 163 2/3 innings. That’s a big step forward, shifting him from a power arm with occasional wildness to a more refined, efficient pitcher who doesn’t get rattled in tough spots.

The Arsenal That Has MLB Scouts Taking Notice

What really has MLB scouts buzzing? Imai’s mix of velocity and sharp secondary stuff. His fastball clocks in between 95–99 mph, giving him the firepower to challenge big-league hitters.

His slider bites late and pairs perfectly with his power pitching. Scouts are intrigued, though they can’t seem to agree on where he’d fit best in an MLB rotation or bullpen.

Starter or Reliever? Scouting Debate

Some see Imai as a dependable mid-rotation starter who can eat innings all season. Others think his stuff would play up even more in a high-leverage bullpen role.

Either way, his tools fit the MLB game, and he’s definitely one of the more interesting names in this winter’s posting class.

Financial Stakes for the Saitama Seibu Lions

The Lions made a calculated move by posting Imai now. Doing it before he hits free agency next year lets them cash in under the MLB-NPB posting rules and secure a hefty fee.

If Imai lands a projected $150 million contract—MLB Trade Rumors’ prediction—the Lions could pocket about $24.375 million in posting fees.

Why Now Is the Right Time

Timing matters here, too. The Lions are sending one of their best to MLB while he’s at the top of his game.

His command, velocity, and All-Star track record all line up to make this offseason the ideal moment for both Imai and the team.

Imai’s Place in a Competitive Free-Agent Market

MLB Trade Rumors ranks Imai seventh among the offseason’s top 50 free agents. That says a lot about his potential impact and the demand for pitching in a year where everyone seems to need arms.

Several contenders will watch his posting process closely, hoping for a chance to add him to their rotation or bullpen.

Teams That Could Be Interested

Formal negotiations can’t start until the posting window opens, but a few speculative fits come to mind:

• Big-market teams looking for a mid-rotation boost.
• Rebuilding clubs who want a long-term contract piece.
• Teams with strong bullpens that could use a versatile arm for both starting and relief.

Impact on the 2026 NPB Season if He Returns

If Imai doesn’t sign an MLB contract during the 45-day window, he’ll head back to the Lions for 2026. In that case, he’d return as the staff ace, giving the Lions another year of top-level pitching before he hits free agency.

Lions fans can’t help but hope he sticks around a bit longer, even if it’s just for one more season.

What Comes Next

The clock starts ticking as soon as the posting goes official. Over the next month and a half, teams will size up Imai’s fit for their roster and budget.

Meanwhile, he’ll weigh which organization gives him the best mix—competitiveness, financial security, and maybe some help adjusting to a new culture. It’s not a simple decision, and you can bet he’s got a lot on his mind.

Tatsuya Imai’s posting is honestly one of the most interesting offseason stories in international baseball. He’s got elite skills and sharper command these days, and the posting system’s structure benefits his NPB club too.

His leap from Saitama to, who knows, maybe a big U.S. city could totally reshape his career. Whichever MLB team lands him is about to get a serious boost to their rotation.

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