UPDATE: Major League Baseball’s posting system opens for Tatsuya Imai today, and teams have until January 2 to sign the promising right-hander as a free agent. With a standout record this season, Imai is attracting immediate attention from MLB franchises.
The 27-year-old Imai, who played for the Seibu Lions in Japan’s Pacific League, concluded the season with an impressive 10-5 record and a remarkable 1.92 ERA. His performance included 178 strikeouts over 163 2/3 innings, highlighting his potential to make an immediate impact in the majors.
Imai’s entry into the posting system coincides with fellow Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, whose signing window expires on December 22. This creates a competitive environment for teams looking to bolster their rosters with top international talent.
Over his eight seasons with the Seibu Lions, Imai has accumulated a career record of 58-45 and a solid 3.15 ERA. His accolades include being a three-time All-Star and pitching eight innings in a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka this past April. Notably, he struck out 17 batters against Yokohama on June 17, breaking the franchise record previously held by Daisuke Matsuzaka.
Under the MLB posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, teams interested in signing Imai will incur a posting fee based on the value of the contract. The fee starts at 20% of the first $25 million of the contract, decreasing to 17.5% for the next $25 million, and 15% for any amount over $50 million. Additionally, a supplemental fee of 15% applies to any earned bonuses or salary escalators.
As the clock ticks down to January 2, teams are urged to act quickly to secure this exceptional talent. The race to sign Imai is heating up, and fans are eager to see where he will land. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
