US EditionJapanese star Tatsuya Imai aims to win championship with the Houston Astros
- On January 5, 2026, the Houston Astros introduced Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, who signed a $54 million, three-year contract with opt-outs and bonuses for at least 180 innings.
- After a season marred by injuries and a missed playoff berth, the Astros signed Tatsuya Imai last week to reinforce a rotation gap left by former ace Framber Valdez's free agency.
- Tatsuya Imai posted a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA last season for Seibu Lions, striking out 178 in 163.2 innings and has 907 career strikeouts in 963.2 innings.
- Dana Brown, Astros general manager, said `We needed to beef up our rotation` and noted the front office aims to expand into Japan, supported by Astros owner Jim Crane adding staff in Tokyo, Taiwan and Seoul.
- This year Tatsuya Imai will not pitch in the World Baseball Classic, and he said his MLB plans began after meeting agent Scott Boras years ago.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Associated Press News
Japanese star Tatsuya Imai aims to win championship with the Houston Astros
Right-hander Tatsuya Imai made his intentions clear with his first few words during an introductory news conference with the Houston Astros on Monday.
Tatsuya Imai Sets Championship Goal in Introduction with Astros
Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai officially joined the Houston Astros on Monday and immediately expressed his desire to help the team pursue a championship. Speaking during his introductory press conference, Imai emphasized his commitment to contributing at a high level in Major League Baseball and his focus on team goals. Imai, who previously pitched for the […] The post Tatsuya Imai Sets Championship Goal in Introduction with Astros appeared firs…
Imai already embracing adventure, culture in 🤘-Town
HOUSTON -- Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai immersed himself in Texas culture right away, taking in a game between the NFL’s Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts on Sunday and throwing up the team’s “H” hand sign when he was shown on the big screen. A few hours later, he ate lamb
How Tatsuya Imai Officially Stabilizes the Astros Pitching Rotation
The Houston Astros got their big-name pitcher. This was a big surprise move. It was expected that the Astros might have to trade to get a top-of-the-line starter, but Houston went a completely different route. How Tatsuya Imai Officially Stabilizes the Astros Pitching Rotation In an unexpected development Thursday morning, the Astros signed Japanese starter Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million deal that could reach $63 million with incenti…
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