Yankees and Mets Miss Out on Japanese Ace Tatsuya Imai
As both the Yankees and Mets prepare for the 2026 season, they face some pressing questions about their pitching rotations. However, it seems they overlooked Japanese star Tatsuya Imai as a potential answer.
According to reports from Jon Heyman, neither team was “seriously involved” in the bidding that ultimately saw the Astros sign Imai to a three-year contract potentially worth $63 million.
While the Cubs did enter the bidding, the Astros made a compelling offer, especially as they plan for Framber Valdez’s possible departure in free agency.
Imai, now 27 and formerly of the Japanese Pacific League, currently commands an $18 million salary per season, which could increase to $21 million depending on his innings pitched—if he reaches 80, 90, or 100 innings. There’s also the possibility of an opt-out after each year.
If he stays healthy, Imai could become a vital piece for the Yankees’ rotation. However, with Gerrit Cole recovering from Tommy John surgery, his future is uncertain.
Clark Schmidt is in a similar boat, with a return expected after the All-Star break, while Carlos Rodon will miss the opening game of 2026 after undergoing elbow surgery to address a loose body and a bone spur.
Behind Max Fried, who has had a quiet offseason with decisions about Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger approaching, the Yankees may find themselves relying on young pitchers like Lewis Gil, Cam Schrittler, and Will Warren to step up.
On the other hand, the Mets have some young talent in Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat, all of whom might secure spots on the 26-man roster unless they are traded before spring training. Still, returning pitchers, including Sean Manaea and Kouhiro Chiga, will need to address issues that came to light following a lackluster 2025 season.
The Astros, meanwhile, successfully bolstered their rotation after missing the playoffs last year.
Imai had an impressive 2.14 ERA over his last two seasons with the Seibu Lions. His agent, Scott Boras, emphasized Imai’s potential, stating, “We have a 27-year-old pitcher who throws 98, 99. Teams see this and say, ‘Trust me, this is a crazy dream of Imai’s, we never expected someone to respond like that.'”
