Pitching
Astros introduce Japanese signing Tatsuya Imai at Houston press conference
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Five days after agreeing to a three-year, $54 million contract with Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, the Houston Astros formally introduced the 27-year-old at Daikin Park on January 5, 2026. The three-time NPB All-Star expressed excitement about chasing a World Series, while team executives highlighted expanded Asian scouting efforts.
Prospect Carlos Lagrange has drawn praise from Gerrit Cole during New York Yankees spring training in Tampa, Florida, for his triple-digit fastballs. The 22-year-old right-hander threw multiple pitches over 100 mph in live batting practice, leaving the former Cy Young winner astonished. Lagrange's performance has sparked discussions about his potential big-league impact this season.
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In his first appearance for the New York Mets, reliever Devin Williams allowed a first-pitch home run on a new cutter during a 14-3 spring training win over the St. Louis Cardinals. The pitcher, who signed a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason, is working to add the cutter and a slider to his primarily fastball-changeup repertoire. Manager Carlos Mendoza described the addition as a luxury to enhance Williams' elite pitching.
The Boston Red Sox acquired left-handed pitching prospect Jake Bennett from the Washington Nationals in exchange for right-hander Luis Perales on Monday. Both pitchers, recent Tommy John surgery survivors, represent a swap of high-upside prospects in Boston's ongoing pitching overhaul. The deal highlights connections between the teams' front offices.
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Updating earlier reports, the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a one-year contract with 28-year-old right-hander Dustin May, ranked the 36th-best free agent. The injury-resilient pitcher offers low-risk upside to a rotation in need of depth.