Tatsuya Imai Aims for MLB: A Prominent Pitcher in the Spotlight
Right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai has initiated the posting process to enter Major League Baseball (MLB), opening the door for teams to negotiate his signing as a free agent.
The negotiation period for Imai extends from Wednesday to January 2nd.
This news comes alongside that of the prominent infielder Munetaka Murakami, whose 45-day deadline to sign expires on December 22.Imai, a 27-year-old right-handed pitcher, had an impressive season in 2024 with the Seibu Lions of the Pacific League, recording a 10-5 record and a 1.92 ERA. In 163 2/3 innings, he struck out 178 batters.
In 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 the highlights of his career was on April 18, when he pitched eight innings in a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka. On June 17, he set a personal record with 17 strikeouts against Yokohama, surpassing the previous team record, set by Daisuke Matsuzaka in 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. That percentage is reduced to 17.5% of the next $25 million and to 15% of any amount over $50 million.
In addition, there would be a 15% surcharge on any bonus earned, salary increases, and exercised options.
