One of Japan's most talented pitchers will have the opportunity to pursue a contract in North America.
The Seibu Lions announced Monday that they will officially post right-hander Tatsuya Imai this winter in hopes of securing a major-league deal.
"We decided that now was the right time and allowed him to take on the challenge of MLB," the Lions said in a statement. "He has consistently expressed a strong desire to play baseball in America, and as a team, we have respected that desire."
Imai will have 45 days to reach an agreement with an MLB team once he's posted, or he'll have to return to the Lions for 2026.
Tatsuya Imai will be represented by Scott Boras and his agency, Boras Corporation.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) November 10, 2025
"I'm grateful that they accepted my request," Imai said.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire nine-year professional career with Seibu. He posted a 1.92 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings last season. He features a mid-90s fastball, in addition to a slider and splitter.
Now that the trade deadline has passed, MLB talent evaluators often prioritize scouting trips to Japan in August. Seibu Lions RHP Tatsuya Imai is one top priority for them to see; this video from @YankeeSource illustrates why. pic.twitter.com/zXJFECxk2K
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 7, 2025
A three-time All-Star in Japan, Imai helped throw a combined no-hitter last season and struck out a franchise-record 17 batters in a game in June. While he has pitched for Japan internationally, he wasn't on the 2023 World Baseball Classic roster.
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects Imai will sign a six-year, $135-million deal, including an additional posting fee that's calculated from a percentage of how much he signs for. That fee is paid to the Lions.
Imai is expected to be one of the top starting pitchers available this winter.
