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Astros Introduce Tatsuya Imai, Who Will Skip 2026 WBC to Focus on Season

The three-year, $54 million deal underscores Houston's renewed push into 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.
Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai poses 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

  • The 27-year-old right-hander told reporters he has no plans to play for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic as he prepares for his first MLB campaign.
  • Imai said he is "ready to chase a world championship," as Houston formally presented him after agreeing to a three-year, $54 million contract.
  • General manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada said the move addresses a need for starting pitching and praised Imai's competitiveness.
  • The former Seibu Lions standout went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings last season after eight years in NPB.
  • Owner Jim Crane said the club has added personnel in Tokyo, Taiwan and Seoul to expand talent identification in Asia and hopes Imai's signing is the first of many.