Overview
- Multiple outlets report the 27-year-old right-hander agreed to a three-year contract that guarantees $54 million and can reach $63 million with innings-based incentives, with opt-outs after each season.
- Sources detail a base salary of $18 million that can rise to $21 million annually if Imai hits 80, 90, and 100 innings, placing his AAV among the highest for recent NPB imports.
- Imai is expected to address a rotation opening after Framber Valdez entered free agency, with Houston seeking immediate impact without a long-term commitment.
- The Astros emerged as a surprise destination after limited advance linkage, while the Cubs were viewed as aggressive suitors and the Yankees and Mets were not heavily involved.
- Imai arrives from the Seibu Lions after a 2025 season featuring a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings, with scouting reports citing a mid-90s fastball, an atypical arm-side slider, and an effective splitter.