Overview
- The 27-year-old right-hander’s 45-day posting window closes on Jan. 2, which will decide an MLB move or a return to NPB’s Seibu Lions.
- Imai told Japan’s TV Asahi he has yet to receive a formal offer despite ongoing meetings and reported interest from multiple teams.
- Reports have linked the Yankees, Phillies, Cubs, Mets and Blue Jays, and Imai has publicly said he will not sign with the Dodgers.
- Agent Scott Boras is leading negotiations, and Imai has requested that his trainer and interpreter be included in any MLB agreement.
- He is coming off a 2025 season with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings and owns a 3.15 career ERA across 159 NPB games.