The Houston Astros have signed right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai to a noteworthy contract. The agreement spans three years and is valued at $54 million. Imai’s deal was confirmed by a source close to the negotiations, who requested anonymity due to the pending official announcement.
Details of the Contract
Under the terms of the contract, Tatsuya Imai has a signing bonus of $2 million. His annual salaries are set at:
- $16 million for the first year
- $18 million for each of the subsequent two seasons
Imai also has the potential to earn an additional $3 million in performance bonuses during the first season. These bonuses are structured as follows:
- $1 million for pitching 80 innings
- $1 million for pitching 90 innings
- $1 million for pitching 100 innings
Moreover, his salaries in 2027 and 2028 may increase based on the performance bonuses he attains in 2026. Consequently, the contract’s total value could rise to $63 million. The contract provides an opt-out clause for Imai after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Historical Context
Tatsuya Imai’s contract represents a significant achievement for Japanese pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He now has the third-highest average annual value for a Japanese pitcher entering the league, trailing only:
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto with the Los Angeles Dodgers ($27.08 million)
- Masahiro Tanaka with the New York Yankees ($22.14 million)
Imai’s Career Highlights
The 27-year-old right-hander had a stellar season in Japan before signing with the Astros. Playing for the Seibu Lions in the Pacific League, he posted a record of 10-5 with an impressive 1.92 ERA. He recorded 178 strikeouts over 163.2 innings pitched.
Imai has enjoyed an illustrious eight-year career, achieving a 58-45 win-loss record, a 3.15 ERA, and 907 strikeouts in 963.2 innings. He is a three-time All-Star and recently pitched eight innings of a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka. In a remarkable performance against Yokohama, he struck out 17 batters, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka’s previous record of 16 strikeouts.
Commission and Fees
Under the MLB posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), the Seibu Lions will receive a posting fee of $9.675 million from the Astros. Additionally, they will obtain a supplemental fee of 15 percent from any earned bonuses, salary escalators, and exercised options related to Imai’s contract.
Imai’s agent, Scott Boras, highlighted his client’s aspirations to play for a competitive team, noting his desire to thrive in a high-stakes environment. As the Astros bolster their roster, Imai’s addition promises to enhance their pursuit of success in the coming seasons.
