Posting Window Closing for Tatsuya Imai
Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai reportedly began in-person meetings earlier this week, according to The Athletic's Will Sammon and Katie Woo. Imai has until Friday at 5:00 p.m. ET to sign with a major-league team, or he will be required to play in Japan for the 2026 season. Imai is one of the top pitchers in NPB and most recently pitched for the Saitama Seibu Lions. In 2025, he pitched to a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts across 163 2/3 innings. Since the start of 2024, Imai has posted an NPB-best 27% strikeout rate, and even though he is not viewed on the same level as Dodgers right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, he is still projected to command a multi-year contract worth up to $150 million. Teams showing the most interest in the 5-foot-11 righty include the Mets, Yankees, Cubs, Phillies, White Sox, and Orioles. From a fantasy standpoint, the 27-year-old's perceived MLB upside has pushed his ADP to around 181, placing him ahead of starting pitchers such as Tanner Bibee, Carlos Rodon, and Cade Horton in early drafts. Once he officially signs, fantasy managers should expect his draft stock to rise.
Source: Will Sammon and Katie Woo
Source: Will Sammon and Katie Woo
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