The Houston Astros have secured a top Japanese pitcher during the offseason. The team and right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai have reached an agreement on a three-year deal valued at up to $63 million, with Imai having the option to opt out after each season, as confirmed by CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden. The contract has not been officially announced by the team yet. Imai’s 45-day posting period was set to end Friday at 5 pm ET.
At 27 years old, Imai has spent his entire career with the Seibu Lions in Japan’s professional baseball league (NPB). Since 2021, he has been one of the league’s top starters. In 2025, he pitched 163 2/3 innings, maintaining a 1.92 ERA and striking out 178 batters. His strikeout rate was 28%, compared to the league average of 19%, and notably above the MLB average strikeout rate of 22% in 2025.
Imai was ranked the 12th best free agent available this offseason and the fifth best starting pitcher. His skills include mid-90s velocity and a forkball-like slider delivered from a low release point. While he isn’t considered on par with star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Imai offers great potential as a strong rotation member, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.96 and good command, which could see him as a No. 3 starter early in the next MLB season.
The Astros had to pay the Seibu Lions a posting fee based on Imai’s contract value, structured as 20% for contracts under $25 million; $5 million plus 17.5% for amounts between $25 million and $50 million; and $9.275 million plus 15% for contracts exceeding $50 million. Though this fee doesn’t count toward competitive income tax, it represents a significant immediate payment to the Lions. The signing process, including physicals and contract finalization, had to be completed by the Friday 5 pm ET deadline.
Fan Take: This signing highlights the growing impact of Japanese talent on MLB, offering fans a glimpse of future pitching greatness. Imai’s transition to Houston could strengthen the Astros’ rotation and boost international interest and competitiveness in baseball.
