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4d ago

Cubs Emerge as Front-Runner for Posted NPB Ace Tatsuya Imai Before Jan. 2 Deadline

Recent reports place Chicago in front after New York cooled its pursuit.

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)
TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 19: Pitcher Tatsuya Imai #48 of Japan throws in the 1st 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)

Overview

  • Tatsuya Imai, posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions, must sign with an MLB team by Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. ET.
  • YES Network’s Jack Curry reported the Yankees are no longer pursuing Imai, while the Mets are still described as a possible dark horse.
  • Imai dominated NPB in 2025 with a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings, 178 strikeouts, five complete games and three shutouts.
  • FanGraphs-based analysis cites a 2.01 FIP and roughly a 79% strand rate, reinforcing confidence that his results were not purely defense-driven.
  • The Cubs are viewed as a strong fit given their rotation needs and a support system that includes Japanese teammates Shōta Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki, with some outlets projecting a potential nine-figure deal as an estimate.