THE CORRECTION: Pitcher, Not Power Hitter
CHICAGO, IL—The “Super Slugger” headlines in the Windy City appear to have crossed their wires. While the Chicago Cubs did just sign a veteran NPB power hitter in Tyler Austin (who crushed 25 HRs for Yokohama in 2024), the “signature” everyone is currently chasing belongs to Tatsuya Imai.
Imai is not a slugger—he is the most electric starting pitcher to come out of Japan since Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The “impressive slash line” mentioned in rumors (.312/.389/.567) actually belongs to Munetaka Murakami, the Japanese home run king also currently being posted. Imai’s “power” comes from a 99-mph fastball and a 1.92 ERA that has the MLB’s biggest spenders at each other’s throats.
THE “POSITIVE MESSAGE”: Why the Cubs Lead the Race
As of December 19, 2025, the Cubs have received what insiders call a “strategic green light” from Imai’s camp. While the Yankees offer the bright lights of New York, Imai has reportedly expressed a strong preference for the “Imanaga Blueprint.” * The Shōta Effect: Imai has seen how the Cubs transformed Shōta Imanaga into a Cy Young contender and a global brand.
- The “Anti-Dodger” Stance: In a quote that went viral this week, Imai reportedly told Japanese media he has no interest in joining the Dodgers. “I don’t want to join the legends; I want to take them down,” Imai said. This narrows the field to teams capable of toppling the L.A. dynasty—putting the Cubs and Yankees at the front of the line.
- The Decision Date: Imai has until January 2, 2026, to sign. Meetings with Cubs President Jed Hoyer are reportedly scheduled for this weekend.
BY THE NUMBERS: THE REAL TATSUYA IMAI
The Yankees and Cubs aren’t fighting for a bat; they are fighting for a “Right-Handed Ace” with historic 2025 stats:
| Metric | Tatsuya Imai (2025 NPB) | MLB Comparison |
| ERA | 1.92 | Lower than any MLB starter in 2025. |
| Strikeouts | 178 (in 163.2 IP) | Elite 9.8 K/9 ratio. |
| Max Velocity | 99.4 MPH | Top 5% of MLB starters. |
| Signature Feat | Pitched 8 No-Hit Innings | Part of a combined no-hitter on April 18, 2025. |
| Projected Deal | $150M – $200M | Expected to be a 6 or 7-year commitment. |
THE YANKEES’ COUNTER-STRIKE
The Yankees are not going down without a fight. Brian Cashman is reportedly pitching Imai on becoming the “successor to Gerrit Cole.” With Cole entering the later stages of his career, the Yankees view Imai as the high-velocity anchor needed to keep their championship window open through 2030.
“The Yankees have the history, but the Cubs have the momentum,” noted one international scout. “If Imai wants to be ‘The Man’ who changes a franchise, Wrigley Field is the stage. If he wants the pinstripe legacy, he goes to the Bronx. It’s a 50/50 toss-up right now.”
