Overview
- The Lions announced on their official site that they accepted Imai’s request to be posted to Major League teams.
- Under posting rules, he has 45 days to reach an MLB agreement or he will return to Seibu for the 2026 NPB season.
- Imai owns a 3.15 ERA over 963 2/3 NPB innings and features a four-pitch mix led by a 95–99 mph fastball and a plus slider.
- His walk rate has declined four straight seasons, reaching 7.02% over 163 2/3 innings in 2025, though some evaluators see a back-end starter or relief profile.
- The posting fee is tiered off the MLB contract size, and MLBTR projects a six-year, $150 million deal that would generate about $24.375 million for Seibu.