NL West Team Leads Group of 5 Teams As Top Suitors For Superstar Japanese Pitcher

November 20, 2025 ,

After watching Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Shohei Ohtani in the World Series, another Japanese pitching sensation will now be making his way to North America. It's official, Tokyo Giants right-hander Tatsuya Imai has been posted, and is up for grabs for MLB teams starting on Friday. 

According to insider Jon Morosi, an NL West team is the leader in the clubhouse to sign Imai. But no, it's not the LA Dodgers. Morosi says the San Francisco Giants should be considered a leading contender to sign the wiry 27-year-old hurler.

"The Giants have already shown an interest in Imai, and I believe in many ways he is the perfect player for the San Francisco Giants. They've tried in recent years to land a Japanese superstar, whether it was Ohtani or Yamamoto. 

"I think he's a perfect fit for that ballpark (in San Fran)... I actually think his pure stuff is a tick above Kodai Senga".  

Imai posted a career-best 1.92 ERA in 2025 in the NPB, with an equally minuscule 0.89 WHIP, and a vast array of pitches in his arsenal. He allowed just 101 hits in 163.2 innings, and struck out 178 batters.

Tatsuya Imai would be a great 'co-star' for Logan Webb in Giants rotation

"They need a co-star alongside Logan Webb in that rotation," continued Morosi, "and I think Imai would be a great complement... I think his stuff would fit very well in that ballpark. New manager, new vibe in San Francisco. Tatsuya Imai is my choice there. I believe the Giants are among the top candidates to land the Japanese superstar". 

Teams have a 45-day window, through Jan. 2, 2026, to bid for Imai's services. 

Other than the Giants, the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are also in the running to try to sign the superstar pitcher. 

The World Series runner-up Blue Jays will be looking to fill two holes in their rotation with Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer hitting free agency; The Mets are looking for a Senga replacement, as they would like to trade their current Japanese starter; the Yankees and Red Sox also want to fortify their rotations, and will be strongly pursuing that this winter. 


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