The agent mentioned that Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, a Boras Corp. consumer, will probably be posted by Nippon Skilled Baseball’s Saitama Seibu Lions on Nov. 19. From there, Imai may have 45 days to achieve a take care of a significant league crew.
The 27-year-old would be the finest pitcher obtainable in a gifted Japanese free agent class that additionally consists of hitters Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto. Imai ought to draw widespread curiosity all through the posting course of.
The Yankees, desirous to get again into the Japanese market and taking a look at numerous shifting elements of their rotation, are anticipated to noticeably pursue the right-hander. The Mets, who already make use of Kodai Senga, additionally make sense for Imai.
Each New York groups courted Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in recent times, however Imai’s fellow countrymen ended up with the Dodgers. With Shohei Ohtani additionally in Los Angeles, the Dodgers have dominated – and profited from – that market.
Boras mentioned Imai “certainly” has carried out every part that Yamamoto did in Japan earlier than transitioning to the majors, although the Dodgers’ ace had a much more adorned profession in Nippon Skilled Baseball and worldwide play.
Nonetheless, Imai seems well-positioned for main league success with a fastball that sits round 95 mph, certainly one of 5 pitches in his arsenal, and a observe file of sturdiness. He’s coming off a dominant season with the Lions, recording a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts over 163.2 innings.
Imai has a 3.15 ERA over eight NPB seasons.
“When most teams talk to me about Imai, they say, ‘Oh, my,’” Boras mentioned. “He’s that kind of guy. I think when you watch him pitch, he leaves an indelible mark on you.”
Boras added that he didn’t have a posting date for Okamoto, one other consumer and member of the Yomiuri Giants. Nevertheless, he mentioned the nook infielder is “along the same line” as Imai.
