How can the San Francisco Giants help prevent the Los Angeles Dodgers from winning their third consecutive World Series title in 2026? Signing a pitcher who openly spoke out about his desire to dethrone them is a good first step.
Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai seems to have no shortage of suitors in his transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to MLB.
The New York Yankees and New York Mets are reportedly interested in Imai, as well as the Chicago Cubs. But ESPN's David Schoenfield sees the Giants as the best fit for the three-time NPB All-Star.
"The Giants are going to be in the mix for several of these top guys -- Tucker, Bellinger, and the pitchers," Schoenfield wrote. "Heck, if Imai wants to beat the Dodgers, how about joining a team where he can face them four or five times a season? The Giants' payroll is only $8 million under 2025's total, but that 2025 figure was about $30 million below 2024. They have room to pay, they need a starting pitcher, and Robbie Ray is a free agent after 2026."
Imai, 27, posted a 1.92 ERA in 24 starts last season with the Saitama Seibu Lions. He averaged 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
How Imai can help Giants end postseason skid
The Giants last made the postseason in 2021, falling short in the previous four seasons.
As one of the best starters in baseball, Logan Webb is likely to be their Game 1 starter in any series, especially a best out of three Wild Card round.
Imai limits baserunners, a key component of advancing in the playoffs. He led qualified NPB pitchers with a 0.89 WHIP in 2025, walking just 45 batters in 163.2 innings. Since 2023, he's averaged 156 innings per season.
If Imai joins San Francisco, he would be one of the best No. 2 starting pitchers in baseball, and the Giants surely need an extra arm in the rotation.
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