Imai to Houston, per reports

MLB Rumors: Tatsuya Imai and the Houston Astros have agreed to a three year deal, per reports. The deal is for $19 million per year with $4 million per year in incentives, with Imai having opt outs after each season.

Imai, 27, is a righthander who debuted in the NPB for the Seibu Lions in 2017. He has been one of the best pitchers in Japan the last few years, and pu tup a 1.92 ERA in 24 starts over 163 innings in 2025, with 178 Ks against 45 walks.

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This deal is for less than was being projected at the start of the offseason — Kiley McDaniel had Imai at 6 years, $135 million, while Ben Clemens had Imai at 5 years, $100 million. I’m curious as to whether Imai had deals on the table with more in guaranteed money, but which he passed on in a belief that he would be able to get a better deal after proving himself at the major league level. A shorter term, smaller overall deal also means less of a posting fee, and re-entering the market without the posting fee having to be paid would also help him if he has a strong 2026.