BREAKING: Japanese Ace Tatsuya Imai Officially Posted; Yankees Emerge as Immediate Favorites.vc

(NEW YORK) — The starting pitching market officially heated up today as the Saitama Seibu Lions announced that right-hander Tatsuya Imai has formally entered the MLB posting system. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the 45-day negotiating window for the Japanese star began this week, concluding on January 2.

In a crucial development for the New York Yankees, the club has been immediately listed as the early favorite to secure the 27-year-old ace.

Imai: The Pitcher the Yankees Desperately Need

Imai’s availability is perfectly timed to meet the Yankees’ urgent need for rotation certainty. While the team boasts a strong rotation on paper (including the expected return of Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón from injury), the early-season health of the pitching staff remains a major question mark.

• 2025 Dominance: Imai posted a spectacular 1.92 ERA over 163.2 innings for the Lions in 2025, striking out 178 batters.
• The Stuff: He throws a mid-to-upper 90s fastball from a low, deceptive arm slot, complemented by a strong slider, cutter, and a splitter. ESPN analysts project him as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter at the MLB level.
• Contract Projection: Though he is not expected to command the record-breaking figures of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, analysts project Imai could secure a deal in the range of 5-6 years and over 150 triệu USD.

Why Yankees Are the Frontrunners

The Yankees’ strong interest goes beyond baseball; it’s a strategic and cultural imperative for General Manager Brian Cashman:

1. Rotation Certainty: With Cole and Rodón expected to miss the start of the 2026 season, Imai provides an immediate, high-quality, and controllable presence to join Max Fried, Will Warren, and Cam Schlittler.
2. Reclaiming the NPB Market: The Yankees have notoriously struggled to sign a major Japanese star since Masahiro Tanaka in 2014, missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and others. Cashman has publicly stated the organization is “highly motivated” to reassert itself in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) market.
3. Scott Boras Factor: Imai is represented by mega-agent Scott Boras, with whom the Yankees have a famously strong relationship. This dynamic could streamline negotiations, especially as Boras is also representing their other major target, Cody Bellinger.

The window is now officially open, and the pressure is on the Yankees to capitalize on their favorite status and end their long dry spell in the competitive Japanese market.