Right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai has decided to enter the posting system of Major League Baseball (MLB), making him a free agent and available to sign with any team from Wednesday until January 2nd.
This decision unites him with the prominent infielder Munetaka Murakami, whose 45-day deadline to sign will end on December 22.Imai, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, had an outstanding season with the Seibu Lions of the Pacific League, recording a 10-5 record and a 1.92 ERA. In 163 2/3 innings, he managed to strike out 178 batters.
Throughout his eight seasons with Seibu, Imai has a record of 58-45 with an ERA of 3.15, accumulating 907 strikeouts in 963 2/3 innings. He has been selected for the All-Star team three times.
One of Imai’s most memorable moments was on April 18, when he pitched eight innings in a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka. In addition, on June 17, he set a new record for his team by striking out 17 batters against Yokohama, surpassing the previous mark of 16 strikeouts set by Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2004.
According to MLB’s posting agreement with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), the posting fee would be 20% of the first $25 million of a Major League contract, including bonuses and options. This percentage decreases to 17.5% of the next $25 million and to 15% of any amount over $50 million.
Additionally, a 15% surcharge would be applied to any bonus earned, salary increases, and options exercised.
