The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are expected to be among the finalists to sign Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, according to MLB reporter Francys Romero.
Imai, who turns 28 next May, has until Jan. 2 to sign with an MLB team. The Saitama Seibu Lions posted the three-time NPB All-Star earlier this offseason after Imai went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA in 163⅔ innings last season.
The Yankees have an extensive history of signing Japanese players, including former starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka and 2009 World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, through the posting system. Hall of Fame outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and right-handed pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, who signed with other MLB teams via the posting process, joined the Yankees later in their careers.
Imai is 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA and a 907-468 K-BB ratio in 963⅔ innings over eight NPB seasons. He has been among the league’s more impressive starters in recent years and has thrown five shutouts since the start of 2023.
Where Would Tatsuya Imai Fit Into the Yankees’ 2026 Pitching Plans?
According to Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports, its “certain” that the Yankees will be involved in the Tatsuya Imai sweepstakes
Imai has been my top free agent since day one. It’s time for Cashman to dip into the Japanese market again. NEED IT
pic.twitter.com/L0YVlQoEQg— Freddie🫡 (@YankeesSzn99) December 13, 2025
If Imai signed with the Yankees, he would almost certainly be guaranteed a spot in the pitching rotation, and not only because of the team’s current injury report. Gerrit Cole (Tommy John surgery) and Carlos Rodón (elbow procedure to shave a bone spur) are both expected to begin next year on the injured list. Clarke Schmidt, who had Tommy John surgery this past summer, will likely miss the first half.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said earlier this month that he believes Cole will return in May or June. The 2023 AL Cy Young winner missed all of last season, though Rodón had his best season with the Yankees in Cole’s absence. Not only did Rodón earn All-Star honors, but he recorded a 3.09 ERA, a 203-73 K-BB ratio, and 4.6 bWAR in 195⅓ innings.
The Yankees did not acquire any veteran pitchers during the Winter Meetings. Max Fried, who finished fourth in AL Cy Young voting, is the early favorite to start Opening Day in Cole and Rodón’s absences. Will Warren and Luis Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, should follow Fried in the rotation, barring any injuries.
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Cam Schlittler posted a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts and 73 innings as a rookie, though it is unclear whether he will earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation. Additionally, the Yankees re-signed left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough in November. Yarbrough had a 3.83 ERA in 40 innings as a starter last season, compared with a 5.25 ERA in 24 innings out of the bullpen.
The Yankees begin the 2026 season on Wednesday, March 25, on the road against the San Francisco Giants.
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