Tatsuya Imai Available for MLB Teams This Offseason
The Saitama Seibu Lions have announced that Tatsuya Imai, a standout pitcher, is available for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams this offseason. Imai has formally requested to be posted, allowing him to negotiate with MLB franchises. Once posted, he has a 45-day window to secure a contract. If unsuccessful, he will return to the Lions for the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season.
Tatsuya Imai’s Career Highlights
Imai, a three-time NPB All-Star, has established himself as a top talent. His career statistics include:
- ERA: 3.15
- Innings Pitched: 963.2
- Strikeout Rate: 22.31%
- Walk Rate: 11.52%
Notably, Imai has noticeably improved his control, reducing his walk rate to an impressive 7.02% over 163.2 innings in the 2025 season. At 27 years old, he still has room for growth, as he will not turn 28 until May.
Potential in MLB
Imai’s pitching arsenal is expected to intrigue MLB teams. His four-pitch mix includes a fastball consistently clocked at 95-99 mph, complemented by a strong slider. These characteristics position him as a promising candidate for adaptation to the major leagues.
Projection and Free Agency
Industry analysts are keen on Imai, ranking him seventh among the top 50 free agents for the offseason. His projected contract could reach six years and $150 million. However, some experts assess him as a potential back-end starter or reliever in MLB.
Importantly, Imai is eligible for full free agency after the next season. Consequently, the Lions may prefer to capitalize on his value now rather than wait a year.
Posting System Details
Under the MLB-NPB posting system, a team signing Imai will incur a staggered posting fee. The fees are structured as follows:
| Contract Value | Fee Percentage |
|---|---|
| First $25 million | 20% |
| Next $25 million | 17.5% |
| Above $50 million | 15% |
If Imai secures a contract in line with the $150 million projection, the Lions would receive a posting fee of approximately $24.375 million, in addition to Imai’s salary.
As MLB teams evaluate their options this offseason, Tatsuya Imai stands out as a compelling prospect. His skills and potential could make a significant impact in the majors.
