Overview
- A Times of India report outlines a hypothetical trade in which Atlanta would target Houston right-hander Tatsuya Imai to stabilize an unsettled rotation.
- The scenario proposes the Braves sending prospects Hurston Waldrep and Nacho Alvarez Jr. to the Astros for Imai, whose deal is reported at three years and $54 million with incentives and annual opt-outs.
- No formal trade talks or offers have been reported, and the Imai-to-Braves concept is characterized as speculative.
- Atlanta’s rotation concerns include recovery timelines and injuries, with Spencer Schwellenbach working back from an elbow fracture and additional health questions noted across the staff.
- Separately, MLB.com reports that Kona Takahashi will return to the Seibu Lions on a new multi-year contract with opt-outs after receiving three MLB offers, as Imai is described as this winter’s top international free-agent pitcher.