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4m ago

Astros Land Japan Right-Hander Tatsuya Imai on Three-Year Deal With Opt-Outs

The player-friendly structure with innings-based escalators tightens Houston’s payroll flexibility, steering other suitors toward alternative rotation targets.

TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 19: Pitcher Tatsuya Imai #48 of Japan reacts after the 4th inning during the Asia Professional Baseball Championship Final between South Korea and Japan at Tokyo Dome on November 19, 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)
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OSAKA, JAPAN - MARCH 05: Tatsuya Imai #48 of Samurai Japan reacts after pitching in the top of the seventh inning during the game between Samurai Japan and Netherlands at Kyocera Dome Osaka on March 05, 2025 in Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Reports say the agreement guarantees $54 million over three years and can reach $63 million, with opt-outs after 2026 and 2027.
  • Imai’s salary is $18 million annually with innings-based escalators that can lift it to $21 million per season.
  • Under MLB’s posting rules, Houston will owe the Seibu Lions a tiered fee tied to the contract’s value.
  • The 27-year-old posted a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings for Seibu in 2025, boosting his profile ahead of the move.
  • Houston addresses a rotation hole following Framber Valdez’s free agency while the Cubs were the strongest competition and the Yankees and Mets were not heavily involved, with the market now turning to options such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez and potential trades; the Astros’ remaining priorities are backup catcher and bullpen help.