Right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai has entered the Major League Baseball (MLB) posting system and will be available for teams to sign as a free agent from Wednesday until January 2nd.
Imai joins forces with the powerful infielder Munetaka Murakami, whose 45-day deadline to sign expires on December 22.Imai, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, had a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA this season with the Seibu Lions of the Pacific League, striking out 178 batters in 163 2/3 innings.
In eight seasons with Seibu, Imai has a record of 58-45 with an ERA of 3.15, with 907 strikeouts in 963 2/3 innings. He is a three-time All-Star.
Imai threw eight innings of a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka on April 18. He struck out 17 against Yokohama on June 17, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka’s previous team record of 16 from 2004.
According to MLB’s posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, the posting fee would be 20% of the first $25 million of a Major League contract, including bonuses and earned options. The percentage decreases to 17.5% of the next $25 million and to 15% of any amount over $50 million.
There would be an additional fee of 15% of any bonus earned, salary increases, and exercised options.
