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4d ago

Astros Introduce Tatsuya Imai on $54 Million Deal, Pitcher Says He’ll Skip 2026 WBC

The signing signals Houston’s push to fortify its rotation through a broader commitment to Asian scouting.

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Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai sits with General Manager Dana Brown, left, and his agent, Scott Boras, during a news conference introducing the Japanese pitcher at Daikin Park in Houston, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Imai, 27, was an All-Star last season with the Seibu Lions in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, where he went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA (35ER/163.2IP) in 24 games. Among qualified pitchers, Imai posted the lowest WHIP (0.89) in the Pacific League, while ranking second with 178 strikeouts in his 163.2 innings pitched.
Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai walks off the stage after posing for photos with his new cap and jersey during a news conference introducing the Japanese pitcher at Daikin Park in Houston, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Imai, 27, was an All-Star last season with the Seibu Lions in the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization, where he went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA (35ER/163.2IP) in 24 games. Among qualified pitchers, Imai posted the lowest WHIP (0.89) in the Pacific League, while ranking second with 178 strikeouts in his 163.2 innings pitched.

Overview

  • Imai’s contract spans three years at $54 million with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons and incentives that can lift the total to about $63 million.
  • The 27-year-old said he has no plans to pitch for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic so he can fully acclimate with the Astros.
  • Manager Joe Espada indicated Houston expects to use a six-man rotation frequently, including early in the season, to manage workloads and ease Imai’s transition.
  • Owner Jim Crane and GM Dana Brown said the club has added scouting staff in Tokyo, Taiwan and South Korea as it seeks to be more active in signing Asian talent.
  • A three-time NPB All-Star, Imai went 10–5 with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 2025 and becomes the first player the Astros have signed directly from Nippon Professional Baseball.