TL;DR
- New York Yankees plan to pursue Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai this offseason.
- Imai has an impressive 3.15 ERA and 58-45 record over eight seasons in Japan.
- Last season, Imai posted a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 163.1 innings.
- Yankees will be assertive but judicious in pursuit, monitoring price limits.
The New York Yankees is expected to seek starting pitchers this offseason, and an international phenom is emerging as a possible acquisition.
The Athletic's Brendan Kuty reports the Yankees plan to be active in their pursuit of Japanese talent Tatsuya Imai. Imai is set to be posted this offseason; over eight seasons in Japan, he achieved a 3.15 ERA and a 58-45 win-loss record.
Last season, he posted a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA, and 178 strikeouts in 163.1 innings of work.
The Yankees intend to pursue him, though Kuty indicates they won't exceed their limits if his asking price becomes excessive.
“The 27-year-old would represent an upgrade to just about any rotation, but particularly to the Yankees’ group, which has so many questions heading into spring training. But don’t be surprised if they end up going cheaper if the price ratchets up for the right-hander,” Kuty said. “Right now, it’s too early to say how aggressive the Yankees will be with particular pitchers. They would be doing themselves a disservice by not monitoring everything.”
Given that Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, and Gerrit Cole are injured, impacting the beginning of the 2026 season, the Yankees plan to be both assertive and judicious in their search for additional starting pitchers, which will involve their approach to discussions with Imai.
More Yankees News:
- Yankees' Devin Williams reveals feelings about free agent return to New York
- The Yankees are expected to acquire a Cy Young winner for $22.5 million, forming a formidable starting rotation led by Gerrit Cole.
- Yankees' Anthony Volpe undergoes shoulder surgery amid injury-plagued season
- Yankees' former home run champion signs new contract in Japan