The Mets are interested in Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, according to Andy Martino of SNY. Imai has not been officially posted yet, but his team, the Saitama Seibu Lions of NPB, recently announced that they intend to do so. Martino notes that the Mets’ level of interest is not the same as it was for Yoshinobu Yamamoto two offseasons ago, implying that Imai is simply one of several arms the club is looking into.
Imai, 27, has pitched for the Lions for eight years and is a three-time NPB All-Star. After middling results in his first three seasons from 2018-20, he pitched to a 3.30 ERA in 25 starts in 2021 and has posted a sub-3.00 ERA in every full season since (he only made nine starts in 2022). This year, Imai turned in a career-best effort with a 1.92 ERA in 163 2/3 innings across 24 starts. He also set a career high with a 27.8% strikeout rate while decreasing his walk rate to a career-low 7.0%. His season was highlighted by a combined no-hitter on April 18, in which he pitched the first eight innings, as well as a 17-strikeout performance on June 17 that broke the club record previously set by Daisuke Matsuzaka.
The NPB requires players to have nine years of service time before they become unrestricted free agents. By allowing Imai to pursue a move to MLB one year early, the Lions will secure a posting fee based on the value of his contract. We at MLBTR project Imai for a six-year, $150MM contract and placed him seventh on our Top 50 Free Agents list. Based on that projection, any signing team would owe the Lions a $24.375MM posting fee. In terms of stuff, Imai boasts a 95-99 mph fastball as well as a slider and changeup. Based on that profile and his recent track record, he’ll be an intriguing target for clubs in need of starting pitching. That said, Martino notes that industry opinion is mixed on whether he can succeed as an MLB starter.
As for the Mets, it comes as no surprise that they would like to reinforce their rotation. The club’s starters ranked 18th in the majors with a 4.13 ERA in 2025, although they did lead the league with a 49.4% groundball rate. David Peterson, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga led the team in innings pitched, although Senga only made 22 starts due to missing a month with a right hamstring strain and being optioned to the minors in September. Peterson was worth 3.1 fWAR this year and is projected to earn $7.6MM in arbitration, while Holmes is under contract for $13MM with a player option for 2027. Beyond those three, the rotation picture is less certain. Frankie Montas declined to opt out of his contract, but he is a candidate to be released since he will miss next season recovering from a UCL surgery in August. Sean Manaea missed most of 2025 with a right oblique strain and struggled upon his return. If signed, Imai could provide stability in the rotation behind Peterson, Holmes, and Senga.
I assume the Jays are interested in articles will start soon
He’ll be on a plane to Toronto too, I suspect.
Yamamoto was two offseasons ago and he used the Mets to pump up the Dodgers offer, how about we don’t do this again
“he used the Mets to pump up the Dodgers offer”
Why do you think that you know this?
Why do you care?
Why do you ask why anyone cares?
Why do you ask why anyone asks why anyone cares? 🤣
I had to ask.
🎶 Why should I worry? Why should I care? I may not have Imai, but I got Met savoir-faire. 🎶
Ha. You win! ;)
Mets pitching staff is the worst that I remember and I have been watching since 1967. No Seaver, Ryan (HOFs), Koosman, Gentry, Matlack or Gooden, Cone, Ojeda, Darling et al. Mets SPs couldn’t even pitch 5 Innings per start.
What crap was that?
I was a bit spoiled watching 2 World Series Championships.
It doesn’t get any better than this!
On May 29, 1971, the Mets swept a doubleheader against the Padres thanks to a legendary performance by pitchers Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan, who combined for 26 strikeouts over 18 innings. Seaver won the first game 5-1 with 10 strikeouts, while Ryan pitched the second game to a 2-1 victory with 16 strikeouts.
I have been watching since 1968. This organization once prided itself on its elite starting pitching. Even their 3s and 4s were above average. And surely Cohen remembers those days. Would love to see them honor their past by going all in on SP over the next few years. Let other teams believe that a guy that gets them a quality start is good enough. We want and need elite starters.
AgeeHarrelsonJones,
Sorry to hear that you missed out on Tommy Davis who received standing ovations every time he stepped up to the plate as he was a former Brooklyn Dodger.
At least we have great memories and know how the Game used to be played.
They really just don’t make them like that anymore! Lol. I believe Web was one of maybe a few pitchers to hit 200+ inning this past season.
Robrock30: Great memory. I was about to turn 11 and in Cooperstown the very next day visiting the HOF with my family.
Outside the building was a glass-enclosed display showing game results from the previous day, and I remember seeing the scores from that doubleheader in San Diego.
I watched an old game on YouTube the other night. Cone started the first inning then a 2.5hr rain delay occurred. When the game resumed, Cone was back on the mound and pitched deep into the game.
Well there goes my prediction of him to the Twins.
Someone tell Sterns he’s in a big market
Stearns has been asleep for 2 years now, doubt that will change now
they had the highest payroll in the history of American sports. he’s well aware
Until the Dodgers in 2025
“He’s in a big market”…I’m pretty sure the record Soto contract, the red hot media attention, the Met’s tax bill and his $50,000 per month rental apartment already told him that.
Someone tell vwsteave that the guy’s name is STEARNS.
how can anyone take the writer of this article seriously when he lists the three people in the rotation and doesn’t mention McLean or the other two rookies?
Don’t be that person. The whole article is about information others are reporting and has nothing to do with who AJ mentions as possible rotation at the end. Not mentioning McLean does not mean the speculation about Imai by another writer is wrong
Things have gone so well with senga, mets wanna get imai now?
There is no way he gets 150 million. Hes going to get closer to what Senga got if anything. Honestly, I don’t even want him, would rather they make a trade for Peralta, Skubal, Greene, or Luis Castilllo, if any of those guys are even available
I wouldn’t be so sure. After Yamamoto willed LA to a repeat, people will be chasing the next big thing.
If by thing you mean talented players who win baseball games, then yes — this is what teams have always chased. Well, the ones that want to win, anyway.
Makes sense. NYM probably good for 2 SP’s off the contest list unless they swing a trade for rental Skubal Tigers can’t pass up or perhaps Ryan from Twins as 1 of their additions.
Everyone is interested in him. For the right price.
Headlines like these are a joke. Non-news.
Pretty sure every team in baseball is interested in one of the best pitchers in NPB who is only going to be 28 for the 2026 season.
The Mets will probably offer the most, but it will depend on the level of interest the Dodgers have, if any, as to whether they sign him, or not.
Welcome to the Dodgers Mr Imai. We all know how this story ends. He will use the Mets, Yankees, Blue Jays, Phillies, Red Sox and others to get what he wants from LAD so he can join his fellow countrymen.
I don’t see where the Dodgers would fit him between Ohtani, Yama, Glasnow, Snell, and Sasaki. Why would he want to sign there unless they commit to Sasaki as a closer and punt Tanner Scott to set-up?
The Dodgers are already loaded with starting pitching options, especially at the bottom end of the rotation and swingman, the place where it seems Imai is most likely to slot in MLB. I see their interest level as being quite low.