"Imai was one of the top pitchers in free agency this offseason after spending eight seasons with the Seibu Lions in NPB. Across 159 outings, Imai authored a 3.53 ERA and a 1.267 WHIP across 963 2/3 innings, striking out opponents at an 8.5 K/9 clip. The right-hander turns 28 later this year and is coming off one of his best seasons in 2025, tossing a 1.92 ERA across 163 2/3 innings."
"While the walks have been one of his weaker points over his career, he found a new level in 2025, walking just 45 batters (2.5 BB/9), which is miles ahead of his career 4.4 BB/9 mark. Imai boasts a mid-90s fastball and a slider that is considered a wipeout pitch for his punchouts. For the Astros, the club is getting another arm into the mix that will join Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, and Mike Burrows."
Tatsuya Imai agreed to a three-year contract with the Houston Astros that includes opt-outs and a reported average annual value above $27 million. Imai spent eight seasons with the Seibu Lions in NPB, compiling a 3.53 ERA and 1.267 WHIP across 963 2/3 innings with an 8.5 K/9. In 2025 he posted a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings with 178 strikeouts and a 27.8% strikeout rate while cutting walks to 2.5 BB/9. He features a mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider. The Astros expect him to help replace Framber Valdez and will owe posting fees to the Lions.
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