Astros to sign Tatsuya Imai in major free agent splash

Matt Sullivan

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Astros to sign Tatsuya Imai in major free agent splash image

The Houston Astros have been one of the less active teams so far this offseason, and while they've not been going out and spending like a top contender, they have been linked to a few top pitching options this winter.

But after trading for Mike Burrows from the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Astros finally got the ball rolling. Their next move would be much, much bigger.

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Astros have made a major free agent splash signing, bringing Tatsuya Imai, the top Japanese pitcher, to Houston.

Astros make major Tatsuya Imai free-agent signing

"BREAKING: Tatsuya Imai goes to Astros," Heyman reported on New Year's Day. Houston, with Framber Valdez a free agent, needed a new starter. And they got one in the top Japanese free agent, Tatsuya Imai.

According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the contract is a three-year, $63 million max contract with opt-outs after every season. Imai will be getting $21 million AAV from Houston this winter.

Despite a lackluster market, Imai is landing a solid deal, which gives him the second-highest AAV of a Japanese-born pitcher coming over from Japan to the Major Leagues.

More: Astros predicted to buy low on $13.5 million All-Star, Cy Young candidate to replace Framber Valdez

Only Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed for a larger AAV than Imai in MLB history. This is a significant commitment for Houston, and points to Dana Brown and the Astros fully trying to build up a strong rotation for 2026 and beyond.

Imai, the 27-year-old right-hander out of Japan, had a 1.92 ERA in 24 starts during the 2025 season. His 178 strikeouts and 45 walks were a strong mark, and his 0.892 WHIP was one of the best in NPB last season.

Houston is spending a lot on Imai and taking a chance on the top Japanese starter on a contract that allows Imai to depart after one or two seasons.

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Contributing Writer