Japanese pitching sensation Tatsuya Imai has officially stepped into the Major League Baseball arena with the Houston Astros, and his recent encounter during live batting practice has generated quite the buzz. Imai faced off against Astros star Jose Altuve, which served as a memorable moment for the rookie pitcher as he experienced the reality of playing at the highest level.
Reflecting on the experience, Imai expressed, “As soon as I started facing Jose, I was like, ‘Oh shoot, I’m actually in the big leagues.’” His debut in spring training showcased his talent and determination to make a significant impact with the team.
Notably, Altuve, who has been a vital part of the Astros’ success, was impressed by Imai’s pitches. He mentioned, “Really good. He threw me a slider that you couldn’t really see the spin. Nice and sharp. And then after that, a fastball. I saw two pitches. So, yeah, very good. Obviously, two pitches is not enough, I wish I could get more. But the first impression is really good. He’s going to help this team a lot.”
Imai signed with the Astros for a lucrative three-year contract valued at $54 million, highlighting the strong interest he garnered from various MLB teams this offseason. He is part of a new wave of international talent joining the league in 2026, alongside other players such as Chicago White Sox infielder Munetaka Murakami.
Astros pitching coach Josh Miller also praised Imai, particularly his unique slider, stating, “It has a natural shape that backs up, doesn’t go left, even though it might have the spin that looks to a hitter like it will.” He noted that Imai’s pitch elicited unusual swings from batters, indicating its deceptive nature.
Though initially nervous, Imai is gradually adapting to his surroundings and gaining confidence on the mound. Miller observed that watching his teammates throw live helped ease Imai’s nerves, and he began to look more at ease during his bullpen sessions.
As the Astros gear up for the upcoming season after finishing the 2025 regular season with an 87-75 record, Imai’s addition has certainly raised hopes for a stronger performance. The team will look to bounce back and make a deeper playoff run, and with promising talents like Imai, fans have reason to be optimistic. Houston is set to play a spring training game against the Washington Nationals on Saturday, providing another opportunity for Imai to showcase his skills.