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42m ago

Astros Reach Three-Year Agreement With Japanese Righty Tatsuya Imai, With Opt-Outs Each Year

The opt-out-heavy structure underscores teams’ caution about how top NPB arms translate to MLB.

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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Overview

  • Imai’s pact guarantees $54 million over three years and can reach $63 million with incentives, according to reporting from ESPN and The Athletic.
  • The deal includes opt-outs after each season and features innings-based bonuses in 2026 at 80, 90, and 100 frames that can elevate his salary to $21 million and escalate future-year pay.
  • The contract’s average annual value ranks second all-time for a Japanese pitcher in MLB behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto, per MLB.com.
  • Imai, posted by the Seibu Lions on Nov. 19, chose Houston as the Cubs emerged as the strongest late challenger, while the Yankees and Mets were not heavily involved, multiple outlets report.
  • With a frontline NPB starter off the board, rivals are expected to pivot to options such as Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez, and Zac Gallen, and Houston is now likely to focus on a backup catcher and bullpen help.