Right-handed starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai was a star in Nippon Professional Baseball.
His success in Japan helped him land a three-year, $54 million contract with the Houston Astros.
Imai's contract includes opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. After his struggles in his first season with the Astros, it would make sense for him to opt in to his deal.
"It would stand to reason, then, that Imai plans on pitching in MLB next season despite his difficult transition on and off the field," The Athletic's Chandler Rome wrote. "Finding anything more lucrative than $18 million on the free-agent market feels almost impossible."
Imai threw 76.2 innings during the regular season, making 23 appearances, including 15 starts. He was demoted from the starting rotation to the bullpen.
MORE: White Sox reportedly have 'no urgency' to sign Munetaka Murakami to an extension
He managed to strike out 28.7% of the batters he faced but posted a 4.93 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.
If Imai plans to opt out, he must be prepared to earn way less than $18 million per season with his next team.
It remains to be seen if he will enter spring training as a starter or reliever. First, the Astros must find a new GM and manager.
More MLB news:
- Reds' $70 million trade mistake is why third base is their biggest roster hole
- Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski made MLB playoff history three times with 104+ mph pitches
- How Mets could have advantage over Dodgers in free-agent pursuit of Tarik Skubal
- Most strikeouts in an MLB Postseason Game: White Sox made dubious history in loss to Guardians
- Red Sox's top offseason need highlights a big power-hitting problem
