The Philadelphia Phillies approach the 2026 MLB season with some questions in their starting rotation. Ranger Suarez is a free agent, and most importantly, Zach Wheeler might not be ready for Opening Day.
With a potential need for another starter, the Phillies showing interest in a free agent starter wouldn't be a surprise. But a new report from Yahoo Sports Japan is a very interesting one for the Phillies.
According to this new report, the Phillies, along with the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox, are showing interest in top Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
Phillies listed as strong candidate for Tatsuya Imai
MLB.com's Brian Murphy further added to this report, pointing out how while the White Sox are a strong contender for Imai, the Phillies and Yankees are in the running for the veteran righty.
The White Sox are the surprising front-runners for Imai at the moment, but after their Munetaka Murakami signing, it's not a major surprise they're pushing for another slept-on Japanese free agent.
Imai is coming off a strong 2025 season, where he posted a 1.92 ERA in 24 starts with 178 strikeouts for the Seibu Lions. The right-hander is one of the better free agent pitchers left on the market, but with his MLB uncertainty, his market has been slow.
But, he has a signing deadline of January 2nd, which is the Friday of New Year's week. The Phillies are one of the teams in his market, alongside the Yankees and White Sox.
More: Phillies predicted to replace Ranger Suarez with in-house righty
Imai is 27 years old and would be a great free agent signing for the Phillies, especially since his free agent market is likely to be a lot cheaper than other markets for top pitchers.
The Phillies could break into the Japanese free agent market, like they've tried to do with Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in recent years.
Imai doesn't have the same notoriety as those two now-Los Angeles Dodgers stars, but he could become a key addition to the Phillies rotation for the 2026 season and beyond.
This report from Yahoo Japan is a good sign for the Phillies chances of signing Imai. With a sneaky need in the rotation, Imai would be an incredible free agent pickup for the Phillies amid an offseason rife with change.
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