The New York Yankees are one of the more active teams in the offseason every year, and after a lackluster 2025 finish, Brian Cashman is likely to explore some more big moves this winter.
One of those potential big moves comes in the form of a free agent market for Japanese ace pitcher Tatsuya Imai. The 27-year-old is being posted by the Seibu Lions and will have plenty of teams vying for him this offseason.
According to Francys Romero of beisbolfr.com, the Yankees are among the favorites to land Imai in what could be a huge offseason move for Cashman and the pitching staff.
Yankees among favorites to land Tatsuya Imai in free agency
"The Seibu Lions have approved the posting of 27-year-old ace Tatsuya Imai," Romero reports. "If the request is approved, he will have 45 days to negotiate with all 30 MLB teams. The Yankees are expected to be among the favorites to land Imai, according to sources."
The Seibu Lions have approved the posting of 27-year-old ace Tatsuya Imai. If the request is approved, he will have 45 days to negotiate with all 30 MLB teams.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) November 10, 2025
The Yankees are expected to be among the favorites to land Imai, according to sources.
The right-handed pitcher would be a huge boost to the Yankees' inconsistent starting rotation. Carlos Rodon, Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, and others contributed to a solid rotation, but the team could use another top-flight pitcher.
Imai is only 27 years old, and he's coming off an impressive 2025 season with the Lions. He had a 1.92 ERA in 24 starts with five complete games, 163.2 innings pitched, 178 strikeouts, and only 45 walks.
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In his NPB career, he has a 3.15 ERA across 159 games pitched. Adding a pitcher with his experience and talent would be a huge addition to the Yankees' pitching staff.
And according to this report from Romero, the Yankees are viewed as one of the favorites to land the 27-year-old ace out of Japan.
Imai would help round out a strong starting rotation in New York. With Garrit Cole, Fried, Rodon, and Schlittler, the Yankees would be in contention for having he best rotation in the Major Leagues if they can land Imai.
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