Overview
- Imai’s pact is widely reported at three years with opt-outs after each season, guaranteeing about $54 million and reaching up to $63 million with incentives.
- The deal is pending a physical, with the posting window set to expire Friday under the 45-day deadline established when Seibu posted him in November.
- Reports detail a $18 million base salary in year one with inning-based bonuses that can lift annual pay to $21 million and escalate future base salaries if thresholds are met.
- Under the MLB–NPB posting system, Houston will owe Seibu 20% of the first $25 million of contract value, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of any amount above $50 million.
- The 27-year-old right-hander starred for Seibu in 2025 with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 163⅔ innings, and his signing addresses a rotation need after Framber Valdez reached free agency.