The Houston Astros just pulled off one of the offseason’s more interesting pitching moves by signing Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai. This deal doesn’t just affect Houston—it’s got ripple effects all over Major League Baseball, from the Astros’ rotation to the rest of the free-agent pitching market and the NPB talent still out there.
Astros Land Tatsuya Imai on Flexible, Incentive-Laden Deal
Houston agreed to terms with Imai on a contract that balances confidence and caution. The deal features performance incentives and opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, so both the team and player have options if things go well—or don’t.
Financially, Imai will make between $18 million and $21 million per year, depending on bonuses. Not cheap, but not outrageous for a pitcher with his upside.
A Calculated Bet on Upside
Imai is 26, brings a live arm, and has a strong record in Nippon Professional Baseball. He should fit right into a big-league rotation.
The Astros structured the contract to reduce long-term risk while still betting on Imai’s upside if he can handle MLB hitters quickly. It’s a classic Astros move—hedging, but hoping for a high ceiling.
Cubs Miss Out but Pivot to Other Rotation Targets
The Chicago Cubs pushed hard for Imai. Now that he’s headed to Houston, Chicago has to rethink their pitching plans for the rotation.
More Realistic, Cost-Effective Options
Instead of chasing the biggest names, the Cubs are reportedly looking at more attainable arms, including:
These pitchers have proven themselves in MLB. They could bring solid value without the massive contracts required for the top-tier guys like Ranger Suárez or Framber Valdez.
Why the Dodgers and Yankees Stayed Quiet
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, usually in on every big name, didn’t really pursue Imai.
Rotation Depth Dictated Strategy
Both teams already feel good about their starting pitching depth. They didn’t feel the need to chase an international arm who might need time to adjust.
Imai filled a gap in Houston, but that gap just wasn’t there in Los Angeles or New York. Sometimes, it’s really that simple.
Mets Hesitate Amid Pitching Philosophy
The New York Mets checked in on Imai but never got close to a deal. There was some internal doubt about whether he’d deliver immediate, top-of-the-rotation results.
Stearns’ Conservative Pitching Approach
Team president David Stearns tends to avoid long-term, big-money pitching contracts. He likes flexibility and depth instead.
That approach kept the Mets from making a bigger push for Imai. Maybe next time.
Free-Agent Pitching Market Remains Firm
Some people wondered if Imai’s signing would cool off the market for other starters. League execs don’t really see that happening.
Established Arms Still Set the Price
Recent big-money deals still set the tone for contract expectations. Pitchers like Valdez, Suárez, and Gallen are still in demand.
Teams want proven MLB performance more than taking a flier on upside alone. Not much has changed there.
Astros Nearly Done with Pitching Additions
With Imai joining Mike Burrows, Nate Pearson, and Ryan Weiss, Houston’s basically finished adding to its starting pitching for the offseason.
Final Roster Needs Identified
General manager Dana Brown says the Astros are now looking at two things:
Two NPB Standouts Still Available
Now that Imai and slugger Munetaka Murakami are off the board, the spotlight shifts to the last couple of big NPB names.
Okamoto and Takahashi at the Center of Attention
Kazuma Okamoto is a six-time NPB All-Star. He can play either first or third base, which is kind of rare these days.
Several MLB clubs have shown interest in Okamoto. He recently met with teams and agents to talk things over.
On the other side, right-hander Kona Takahashi has at least one MLB offer. He might just stick with Seibu, though.
If Takahashi waits until after 2026, he could cash in even bigger. That’s a gamble, but who knows how the market will look by then?
Here is the source article for this story: Free-agent dominos likely to begin falling with Imai heading to Houston
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