Sources: Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, Astros agree to 3
ESPN••sports
Key Points:
- Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai and the Houston Astros have agreed on a three-year free agent contract worth $54 million guaranteed, potentially rising to $63 million with opt-outs included.
- Imai, 27, had a standout 2025 season with the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball, posting a 10-5 record, a 1.92 ERA, and 178 strikeouts over 163⅔ innings, showcasing a powerful fastball and improved command.
- Agent Scott Boras compared Imai to 2025 postseason star Yoshinobu Yamamoto due to similar pitching styles, effectiveness, and stats, boosting Imai's market value.
- Imai's contract will require the Astros
