Tatsuya Imai will likely receive a big contract from the 2025 MLB free agency class. Imai is one of the best starting pitchers left on the market; however, there is a difference between him and the others. The Japanese ace only has until January 2, 2026, to negotiate with MLB teams.
The Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball announced in mid-November that Imai was allowed to be posted into MLB free agency. Therefore, MLB teams have a window of opportunity to sign Imai to a contract. Now, time is starting to run out with 2026 almost around the corner.
Below, we dive into five potential landing spots for Imai as new MLB rumors swirl during the 2026 offseason.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees need another starting pitcher, and Imai would be the perfect fit. In fact, New York is expected to be one of the finalists to sign the Japanese superstar before January 2, 2026. The Yankees need to keep up in the AL East, as the other four teams have delivered during the offseason. Imai would thrive in New York and get him into a big market.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs also need a starting pitcher, and they have done well in the Japanese market. Chicago has some depth in its rotation, but it isn’t very top-heavy as of right now. The Cubs need an ace pitcher to guide them through the regular season and postseason. It will be Imai’s first season in MLB; however, he should be a great option for teams looking for a top starter.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles have been very aggressive this offseason, and pitching is the next step. Baltimore traded for starting pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays, but it needs another arm to solidify the rotation moving forward. The Orioles are not done making big additions yet, and Imai could be next, following the organization’s signing of Tomoyuki Sugano to a one-year contract last year.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants continue to look for starting pitching, but it is unclear if they will dive deep into Imai’s services. San Francisco has hovered around .500 over the last few seasons, and it needs an influx of talent to make the jump back into the MLB postseason. Imai would help solidify the rotation and give the Giants a great pitcher alongside Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.
New York Mets
The New York Mets must find a way to add more talent to its MLB roster. New York lost Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz in free agency, which was a major blow to the organization’s starting lineup and bullpen. The Mets entered the 2025 offseason needing to add a starting pitcher, and Imai could help kick-start a team that missed the postseason last year.
