Will The Imai Signing Spur An Astros Trade?
MLB Trade Rumors••sports
Key Points:
- The Houston Astros signed Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract with opt-out options after the first two seasons, fitting within their tight budget and luxury tax constraints.
- The Astros' projected Opening Day payroll is around $242 million, close to the luxury tax threshold of $244 million for 2026, limiting their flexibility for in-season acquisitions and potentially necessitating offseason trades to clear payroll space.
- Among players on guaranteed contracts, Christian Walker stands out as a potential trade candidate despite a disappointing 2025 season, but moving him would require the Astros to absorb significant salary or dead money.
- Arbitration-eligible players like Enyel De Los Santos, Bryan Abreu, Yainer Diaz,
