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4d ago

Cubs Emerge in Tatsuya Imai Race as Yankees Pull Back Ahead of Jan. 2 Deadline

A deal in the $135–$150 million range is widely projected, raising urgency for clubs weighing rotation upgrades.

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)
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

  • The posting window for the 27-year-old right-hander closes Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. ET under the NPB-MLB system.
  • YES Network’s Jack Curry reported the Yankees have stepped away from pursuing Imai.
  • Recent coverage identifies the Cubs as an active, well-positioned bidder to reinforce a rotation seeking depth.
  • The Mets remain linked as a potential suitor during the compressed negotiation period.
  • Imai is coming off a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in NPB and is projected for a sizable multi-year contract that could prompt further pitching moves.