The New York Yankees have been active in free agent markets, but they've yet to make any signings of note this winter so far. While players like Dylan Cease, Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and Devin Williams have signed new deals, the Yankees haven't made any moves.
But that doesn't mean they aren't involved in contract talks with players. In fact, the Yankees have been in talks with the top Japanese free agent pitcher, righty ace Tatsuya Imai.
Their interest, according to Francys Romero of beisbolfr.com, has the Yankees, alongside the Chicago Cubs, as expected finalists for the 27-year-old free agent this winter.
Yankees, Cubs expected to be finalists for Tatsuya Imai
"Around five MLB teams have shown real interest in 27-year-old Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, per industry sources," Romero reports. "The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are expected to be finalists to sign Imai."
This report from Romero is a good sign for the Yankees. Not only are they expected to be finalists, they're top competition is the Cubs, a team they could easily beat the contract of this winter.
Imai, who had a 1.92 ERA in 24 starts this past season with the Seibu Lions in Japan, would be an incredible pickup for the Yankees' rotation.
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Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, and Imai would comprise one of the best rotations in Major League Baseball in 2026 if they can pull off this free agent deal.
Imai is one of the best pitchers remaining in free agency, and the Yankees, while not in dire need of rotation help, would be more than willing to splurge to land one of the top pitchers from Japan in recent seasons.
The 27-year-old right-hander won't come cheap, but for the Yankees, they have the payroll needed to acquire Imai's services this offseason.
Romero's report suggests the Yankees and Cubs are the likely finalists for Imai among a few other interested clubs. Nothing is close, and this isn't a clear definition of Imai's market, but it's a good first sign for the Yankees' chances of signing Imai this winter.
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