The Pacific League's Seibu Lions announced on Monday that 27-year-old right-hander Tatsuya Imai will be made available to Major League Baseball teams through the posting process. Imai, who posted a 1.92 ERA this season, has 45 days to reach an agreement with an MLB team.
Tatsuya Imai went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA in the 2025 season, striking out 178 in 163 2/3 innings. A three-time All-Star, he has a 58-45 record with a 3.15 ERA over eight NPB seasons with the Seibu Lions, fanning 907 in 963 2/3 innings. On April 18, he pitched eight innings of a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka, and on June 17, he struck out 17 against Yokohama, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka's 2004 team record of 16.
Listed at 180 centimeters and 70 kilograms, Imai routinely hit 93-95 mph (150-153 kph) with his fastball last season and also throws a sinker and slider. ESPN projects him as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter at the MLB level. Command had been his biggest criticism, averaging nearly four walks per nine innings in his first six-plus seasons, though it improved recently.
Under the MLB-NPB posting agreement, players can be posted from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, with 45 days to sign. The posting fee is 20% of the first $25 million of a contract, 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% over $50 million, plus 15% on bonuses, escalators, and options.
The New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Atlanta Braves are among teams reportedly interested in Imai. This follows Yoshinobu Yamamoto's path, who signed a 12-year, $325 million deal with the Dodgers in 2024 and was named 2025 World Series MVP. Yamamoto, who turned 27 in August, can opt out after the 2029 season.