"Imai, 27, has pitched for the Lions for eight years and is a three-time NPB All-Star. After middling results in his first three seasons from 2018-20, he pitched to a 3.30 ERA in 25 starts in 2021 and has posted a sub-3.00 ERA in every full season since (he only made nine starts in 2022). This year, Imai turned in a career-best effort with a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings across 24 starts."
"The NPB requires players to have nine years of service time before they become unrestricted free agents. By allowing Imai to pursue a move to MLB one year early, the Lions will secure a posting fee based on the value of his contract. We at MLBTR project Imai for a six-year, $150MM contract and placed him seventh on our Top 50 Free Agents list. Based on that projection, any signing team would owe the Lions a $24.375MM posting fee."
Tatsuya Imai is a 27-year-old right-handed starter for the Saitama Seibu Lions with eight years in NPB and three All-Star selections. He posted a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings across 24 starts this year, raised his strikeout rate to 27.8% and lowered his walk rate to 7.0%, and delivered a combined no-hitter plus a 17-strikeout club-record performance. The Lions intend to post him early, which would yield a posting fee tied to his MLB contract. MLBTR projects a six-year, $150MM deal and a $24.375MM posting fee. Scouts note a 95-99 mph fastball, slider, and changeup, and industry opinion is mixed about his ability to replicate NPB success as an MLB starter.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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