Another Japanese star is making his way to the Major Leagues.
The Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball announced Monday that they will allow right-handed starter Tatsuya Imai to be posted this offseason for MLB teams. Once Imai’s posting window opens, teams will have 45 days to work out a contract with the 28-year-old.
Imai, who is Mark Feinsand’s No. 11 free agent this year, recorded a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings this season for the Lions. He struck out 178 batters, walked 45 and allowed only six home runs. Some of his 2025 highlights include throwing the first eight innings of a combined no-hitter and striking out 17 batters in a two-hit, complete-game shutout
Imai has pitched eight seasons for Seibu, and over the past three years and 470 innings, his ERA is a scant 2.18. He possesses a wide pitch mix, but generally relies on a fastball that can reach 99 mph and his slider. Imai also has a changeup, a splitter and started incorporating a sinker late in the season.
According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, Imai’s profile is similar to or perhaps slightly better than Mets right-hander Kodai Senga. He adds that the Giants are among the possible suitors for Imai, while Feinsand lists the Mets and Red Sox as two other potential fits for the 5-foot-11, 154-pound hurler.
Since he is at least 25 years old and has played a minimum of six seasons in a professional foreign league that is recognized by Major League Baseball, Imai won’t be subject to international bonus pool restrictions.
