Overview
- Seibu Lions officially posted right-hander Tatsuya Imai, giving him 45 days to sign with an MLB club under the MLB–NPB agreement and triggering a sliding posting fee for his NPB team.
- Reporting names the Yankees among early favorites for Imai, with the Mets, Dodgers and Giants also identified as interested suitors.
- The Mets are expected to be aggressive in rebuilding their rotation and, per multiple reports, could pursue one or two front-line starters, with options including Framber Valdez and Imai if Tarik Skubal remains in Detroit.
- The Giants plan to add pitching depth but ownership has signaled caution about contracts over $100 million, potentially limiting their pursuit of top-tier arms.
- With Munetaka Murakami already posted and the GM Meetings underway in Las Vegas, the defined posting timelines concentrate decisions for teams balancing payroll, qualifying offers and roster needs.