Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai has made waves in the baseball world after being posted by the Seibu Lions earlier this month, creating speculation about his potential move from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to Major League Baseball (MLB). As Imai’s future hangs in the balance, many fans and analysts are considering which MLB team would be the best fit for this talented starter.
Among the anticipated destinations, the Los Angeles Dodgers have emerged as a popular choice due to their roster featuring prominent Japanese players such as Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki. However, Imai has expressed a preference for competing against such stars rather than joining forces with them. In an interview on the Japanese program “Hodo Station,” he stated, “Of course, I’d enjoy playing alongside Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki, but winning against a team like that and becoming a World Champion would be the most valuable thing in my life. If anything, I’d rather take them down.”
If he makes the leap to MLB, Imai will follow in the footsteps of several successful Japanese pitchers who have achieved notable success in the league. Alongside Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki in the Dodgers’ rotation, other notable talents include Chicago Cubs starter Shota Imanaga and New York Mets star Kodai Senga, who have both made impacts since their transitions from NPB.
Interestingly, Imai has indicated that he is open to embracing a diverse team environment, seeking to challenge himself in navigating cultural differences. “If there were another Japanese player on the same team, I could just ask them about anything, right? But that’s actually not what I’m looking for. In a way, I want to experience that sense of survival. When I come face-to-face with cultural differences, I want to see how I can overcome them on my own — that’s part of what I’m excited about,” he explained.
MLB has become increasingly welcoming to Japanese talent in recent years, with the 2025 season having featured a matchup between the Dodgers and Cubs in Tokyo, showcasing players like Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Imanaga. This growing relationship will likely extend to Imai, who is considered one of the top pitchers in NPB. Ranked No. 14 in Yahoo Sports’ free agency rankings, Imai boasts impressive stats, including a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts over 163 2/3 innings last season.
Imai’s posting on November 10 initiated a 45-day window for MLB teams to negotiate contracts with him. As this window is currently about one-third complete, teams are eager to secure Imai’s services. Should he reach an agreement with an MLB team, they will be required to pay a posting fee to the Lions, with the amount depending on the terms of Imai’s new contract. If a deal cannot be finalized, he will return to NPB for the next season.
As fans eagerly await Imai’s decision, his ambition to win and desire for unique experiences in a new cultural landscape provide a thrilling narrative for baseball enthusiasts looking forward to his potential career transition.