Meet Tatsuya Imai - The Japanese Ace MLB Teams Want
Golf Players

Meet Tatsuya Imai – The Japanese Ace MLB Teams Want

By



Japan’s NPB newest ace is ready for the Show. Tatsuya Imai (27)—a right-hander for the Seibu Lions—has requested to be posted to MLB this offseason. With a mid-to-upper-90s fastball (peaks near 99) and a deep mix (slider, splitter, change, curve, sinker look), he just finished a dominant 2025 highlighted by a 17-strikeout shutout and a combined no-hitter.

If posted, all 30 MLB teams will have a 45-day window to negotiate. Who should make the strongest offer—and what role do you see for him Day 1? Starter two? Frontline upside?

Drop your landing spot + contract prediction below, and subscribe for more MLB news.

Related Posts

26 Comments

  2. @AndrewCorrao-Farelli

    Additionally, he had the highest average fastball velocity of all qualified pitchers in NPB this season at 94.9 MPH which is better than the MLB average of 94.3 MPH

  5. @mtrmtr6821

    Not trying to sound bad when I say this but there needs to be a Jap Cap in MLB. Three per team. If the Dodgers want him, they have to trade 1 of the three they already have.

  19. @ronaldlugo9967

    Another small giant that's gonna shine like Yamamoto in the big leagues. Dude's 5'11" (generously) and his weight is crazier at 154lbs, truly one of a kind.

  20. @NathanCorrado-yn2yx

    Yankees have a chance to make the greatest modern day pitcher rotation with this kid
    Gerrit Cole
    Max Fried
    Can Schlittler
    Tatsuya Imai cmon Yankees grab this kid

Write A Comment