Building on reports of the agreement, right-hander Tatsuya Imai's three-year, $54 million pact with the Houston Astros includes a $2 million signing bonus, opt-outs after 2026 and 2027, and innings-based escalators that could reach $63 million total, per a source via the Associated Press. The 27-year-old Japanese All-Star's deal must be finalized by Friday under posting rules.
The Associated Press reported Thursday, January 2, 2026, that Tatsuya Imai and the Astros have a three-year contract worth $54 million, pending official announcement. It features a $2 million signing bonus, $16 million salary in 2026, and $18 million each in 2027 and 2028. Innings thresholds in 2026 trigger escalators—$2 million each for 80, 90, and 100 innings affecting 2027 pay; $1 million tiers apply in 2028, with carryover provisions if missed initially.
Imai holds opt-out rights after 2026 and 2027. The Seibu Lions receive a $9.675 million posting fee plus 15% of bonuses/escalators. Finalization is due by 5 p.m. EST Friday.
The three-time All-Star dominated in 2025 (10-5, 1.92 ERA, 178 K in 163 2/3 IP), highlighted by eight innings in a combined no-hitter and a franchise-record 17 strikeouts. Over eight NPB seasons: 58-45, 3.15 ERA.
This gives Imai the third-highest AAV among Japanese pitchers entering MLB, trailing Yoshinobu Yamamoto ($27.08M, Dodgers) and Masahiro Tanaka ($22.14M, Yankees). Interest came from Yankees, Mariners, Giants, Blue Jays, Cubs, and Braves.
At 180 cm, 70 kg, with 93-95 mph fastball, sinker, and slider, the brown-haired Imai projects as a No. 2 or 3 starter.