Yankees Target Japanese Ace Tatsuya Imai to Bolster Injured Rotation

The New York Yankees are aggressively pursuing Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai. This news comes from multiple MLB insiders and industry reports. The club aims to address critical gaps in its starting rotation.

Imai was made available to MLB teams via the posting system in November. The deadline to sign him is January 2. The Yankees view him as a top-tier solution for their early-season pitching crisis.

Addressing a Critical Pitching Shortage

New York’s rotation faces significant injuries. Aces Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón will miss the start of the season. Young starter Clarke Schmidt is also recovering from surgery.

This leaves a major void. Max Fried and rookie Cam Schlittler are projected to lead the staff. Pitchers Will Warren and Ryan Yarbrough provide depth but are less proven.

According to The Athletic, Imai ranks among the best free-agent pitchers available. His addition would provide immediate stability. It would also offer high-ceiling talent for the long term.

Imai’s Profile and the Yankees’ Pursuit

Tatsuya Imai is a 26-year-old right-hander for the Seibu Lions. He possesses an elite arsenal of pitches. His fastball sits between 94-96 mph and can touch 98-99.

His slider is considered a dominant out-pitch. Imai also showed markedly improved control during the most recent season in Japan. This combination makes him a coveted international target.

MLB reporter Bryan Hoch confirmed the Yankees’ serious interest. Hoch noted the team has been trying to land a Japanese star for years. They were finalists for pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto last offseason.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the challenge of recruiting during New York’s winter. The team remains undeterred in its pursuit of Imai. Industry sense suggests they are legitimate contenders to sign him.

The push for Tatsuya Imai signals a clear Yankees priority. They aim to patch a weakened rotation with premium talent. Securing his signature would be a major offseason victory.

Dropping this nugget your way

Who is Tatsuya Imai?

Tatsuya Imai is a star starting pitcher for Japan’s Seibu Lions. He is a 26-year-old right-hander known for a powerful fastball and a devastating slider. MLB scouts consider him one of the top international pitchers available this winter.

When can the Yankees sign him?

The negotiation window for Imai closes on January 2, 2026. He was posted by the Seibu Lions in November, making him free to talk with all MLB clubs. A deal must be finalized before the deadline passes.

Why do the Yankees need another starter?

Three key pitchers are injured. Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt will all miss the beginning of the season. This creates an urgent need for a reliable, high-quality arm like Imai’s.

How have the Yankees fared with Japanese players?

Masahiro Tanaka was their last major Japanese signing. The team has actively tried to sign others since. They were runners-up for Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the previous offseason.

What is Imai’s reported pitching style?

He throws a mid-to-upper-90s fastball with a sharp, swing-and-miss slider. His command improved significantly in his most recent season in Japan. This blend of velocity and control is highly valued.