Right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai will be entering Major League Baseball’s posting system, making him available for teams to sign as a free agent from Wednesday through January 2. Meanwhile, the hard-hitting corner infielder Munetaka Murakami’s 45-day posting window closes on December 22.
Imai, age 27, had an impressive season with the Seibu Lions in the Pacific League, posting a 10-5 win-loss record with a 1.92 ERA and striking out 178 batters over 163 2/3 innings. Over his eight seasons with Seibu, he accumulated a 58-45 record, a 3.15 ERA, and 907 strikeouts across 963 2/3 innings, earning three All-Star selections along the way.
Highlight performances this year include pitching eight no-hit innings against Fukuoka on April 18 and setting a team record with 17 strikeouts against Yokohama on June 17, surpassing Daisuke Matsuzaka’s previous record of 16 strikeouts in a game from 2004.
Additionally, Nikkan Sports reports that Tokyo Giants’ infielder Kazuma Okamoto will also be available in the posting system starting Wednesday. Okamoto, 29, who shares the same agent Scott Boras with Imai, has spent 11 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Despite a season shortened by a wrist injury in 2025, he hit .327/.416/.598, with 15 home runs and 37 extra-base hits in 293 at-bats after consistently playing at least 140 games in each of the previous four seasons.
FOX Sports MLB analyst Rowan Kavner ranks Imai 17th and Okamoto 22nd on his list of top 30 free agents this offseason, noting that Imai’s strikeout rate is steadily improving while his walk rate decreases. Kavner commented on Okamoto’s potential, acknowledging that while he may not have Murakami’s raw power or star potential, his lower strikeout rate and consistency make him a valuable asset.
Under the MLB-Japan Baseball Organization posting agreement, the posting fee is set at 20% of the first $25 million of the major league contract (including bonuses and options), with the rate decreasing to 17.5% for the next $25 million and 15% for the subsequent $50 million. An additional 15% fee applies to earned bonuses, salary escalators, and exercised options.
This update also includes a brief explanation of how the MLB posting system works.
Fan Take: This development is exciting news for baseball enthusiasts worldwide as it opens the door for top Japanese talent like Imai and Okamoto to showcase their skills on the MLB stage. Their arrival could bring fresh energy and intense competition, enhancing the global appeal and level of play in Major League Baseball.
