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27m ago

Sawamura Winner Tatsuya Imai Says He’d Rather Beat Dodgers Than Join Them

The Seibu ace is posted through Jan. 2 under MLB rules, elevating interest from non‑Dodger contenders.

OSAKA, JAPAN - MARCH 05: Tatsuya Imai #48 of Samurai Japan reacts after pitching in the top of the seventh 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)
FILE - Japan third baseman Munetaka Murakami (55) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning of a World Baseball Classic game against the United States, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)
OSAKA, JAPAN - MARCH 05: Tatsuya Imai #48 of Samurai Japan reacts after pitching in the top of the seventh 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)
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Overview

  • In a TV interview with Daisuke Matsuzaka, Imai said he wants to "take down" Los Angeles and specifically test his fastball against Shohei Ohtani.
  • He stated a preference to be the lone Japanese player on his MLB team to push himself through the cultural transition.
  • Imai was officially posted Nov. 19, giving MLB clubs a 45‑day signing window that ends Jan. 2, 2026.
  • Yankees GM Brian Cashman has acknowledged engaging with Imai’s camp, and outlets have linked clubs such as the Cubs, Mets and Phillies as potential fits.
  • Coming off a Sawamura Award season (1.92 ERA, 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings), the 27‑year‑old righty features a 95–97 mph fastball that can touch the upper‑90s plus a slider and splitter from a low arm slot.