Tatsuya Imai Landing Spots: 3 teams the Japanese phenom could sign with

Tatsuya Imai is widely considered one of the best free-agent pitchers available in the offseason. The three-time Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) All-Star is set to be posted on Nov. 19, according to his agent Scott Boras, with MLB teams getting 45 days to sign him.

Imai has played for the Saitama Seibu Lions throughout his NPB career since his debut in 2017. He pitched to an incredible 1.92 ERA over 163.2 innings in 2025. With a potent strike-zone ability, plenty of MLB teams will be interested in getting his services.

Imai, according to MLB Trade Rumors, is expected to earn $150 million over six years. That will make it easier for him to attract teams, as his asking price seems to be lower than that of other top starting pitchers like Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez in the free agent pool. Moreover, at 27, he is at least three years younger than the other two, who are entering their 30s.

Here's taking a look at the top three landing spots for Tatsuya Imai.

#1 New York Mets

The Mets are looking to bolster their rotation, which consists of Nolan McLean, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, and Kodai Senga. The team was unable to make it to the postseason after its pitchers tapered away towards the latter half of the season. Having Senga by his side would also help Imai settle into the American baseball culture.

#2 San Francisco Giants

The Giants have a projected starting pitcher WAR of 10.0, with only three starters currently assigned to them. Imai signing in San Francisco would mean placing significant trust in an organization that is currently in transition.

The Giants missed out on Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the past, so they could go all out in their pursuit of Imai.

#3 Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays' rotation behind Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and newcomer Trey Yesavage looked thin in the postseason. Having become established contenders, they need to continue upgrading their team in order to have a chance at another championship.

They are expected to offer Bo Bichette a new contract, and having already spent $500 million on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. last year, resources might be tight for them.