The Philadelphia Phillies brought back Kyle Schwarber on a $150 million five-year deal, but they're still likely to be involved in a few free agent markets.
While the Phillies might not need a new starting pitcher, finding a way to bring Tatsuya Imai to Philadelphia would be an incredible way to build upon a good start to the offseason. And according to Imai's Instagram, there might be some hope.
As Phillies Tailgate on Twitter/X shared, Imai is following Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, who is just one of a few Major Leaguers the top Japanese pitcher follows on Instagram. While it doesn't necessarily mean anything, his follow of Wheeler has Phillies fans buzzing with excitement about a potential signing.
Tatsuya Imai's Instagram follow of Zack Wheeler has Phillies fans buzzing
Imai is following a lot of different NPB players and Major Leaguers from Japan. But the non-Japanese follows are noteworthy. Imai is following Wheeler, among only a few current MLB players.
Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees, Fernando Tatis Jr. Of the San Diego Padres, and Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates all have follows from Imai just like Wheeler.
These follows from Imai doesn't point to any free agent decision, but with the Pirates and Padres unlikely to spend big this winter on any free agents, and the Yankees expressing caution to spend big, the Phillies might be the most realistic landing spot of these teams.
This news on the Wheeler-Imai Instagram connection doesn't mean much, but as seen in the response of Phillies Tailgate on Twitter/X, Phillies fans are getting excited over the idea of signing the top free agent pitcher from Japan this winter.
More: Phillies get good news on Tatsuya Imai's free agency interest
The Phillies have been linked to Imai at times this offseason, and while they don't need starting pitching and might not want to go over the luxury tax threshold, signing someone like Imai to set foot in the Japanese free agent market would be worth it.
Imai is a great pitcher, coming off an impressive 2025 season with the Seibu Lions. He had a 1.92 ERA in 24 starts with 178 strikeouts in 163.1 innings pitched with just six home runs allowed and a 0.892 WHIP.
The Phillies and Imai are linked, and this Instagram follow of Wheeler has the fanbase buzzing. But, nothing is close, nor is this any indication that Imai is singing with the Phillies, or any other team he follows a player for.
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