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1h ago

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

The opt-out-laden pact at roughly $18–21 million per year is already reshaping the starter market.

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)
OSAKA, JAPAN - MARCH 05: Tatsuya Imai #48 of Samurai Japan pitches in the top of the sixth 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

  • Imai agreed to a three-year contract reported at $54 million guaranteed and up to $63 million with innings-based incentives, with opt-outs after each season.
  • The deal obligates a posting fee to the Seibu Lions calculated as 20% of the first $25 million, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any amount beyond that.
  • Reporting indicates the Cubs were the most aggressive competitors after Houston, while the Yankees and Mets were not heavily involved in bidding.
  • With Houston addressing its rotation, industry focus is shifting to remaining starters such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez and Zac Gallen, and the Astros are expected to prioritize a backup catcher and bullpen help next.
  • Imai arrives from NPB after a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings since 2024, and insiders describe the opt-out structure as a bet on himself given MLB translation risk.