Japanese Baseball
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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.
The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have posted 25-year-old power hitter Munetaka Murakami, allowing him until December 22 to sign with an MLB team. Known as the 'Japanese Babe Ruth,' Murakami set NPB records with 56 home runs in 2022 and has drawn interest from several clubs amid questions about his strikeout rate.