MLB

Houston Astros Sign Prized Japanese Pitcher Tatsuya Imai to 3-Year Contract

Imai, a 27-year-old RHP, was a three-time All-Star while in Japan and threw eight innings of a combined no-hitter last season.
Houston Astros Sign Prized Japanese Pitcher Tatsuya Imai to 3-Year Contract
A view of the Houston Astros logo in centerfield during batting practice prior to Game One of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 22, 2019. Bob Levey/Getty Images
Ross Kelly
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Tatsuya Imai, a prized right-handed pitcher who is expected to be one of the many imports from Japan this offseason, signed a three-year contract with the Houston Astros on Friday. The deal is worth $54 million over the length of the deal and includes player opt-outs after both the 2026 and 2027 MLB seasons.

According to MLB.com, the contract includes incentives such as a $3 million bonus if Imai throws 100 innings in 2026.

Ross Kelly
Ross Kelly
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Ross Kelly is a sports journalist who has been published by ESPN, CBS and USA Today. He has also done statistical research for Stats Inc. and Synergy Sports Technology. A graduate of LSU, Ross resides in Houston.