Astros sign Tatsuya Imai: You won't believe how long it's been since Houston signed a Japanese free agent

Yesterday, Japanese starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai became the first player from Nippon Professional Baseball to sign directly with the Houston Astros. 

Imai agreed to a three-year deal, $63 million deal with the Astros despite rumors that other clubs, like the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, had interest. The 27-year-old will not be the first Japanese player to play with the Astros, but it has been nearly two decades since the AL West club signed a free agent born in the East Asian country. 

Infielder Kaz Matsui signed a three-year contract with the Astros in December 2007, but not from NPB. The switch-hitter had just completed his fifth MLB season, spending time with the New York Mets and Colorado Rockies from 2004-07. 

The state of the Astros in 2008 

Matsui made his Astros debut in 2008, replacing Hall of Fame second baseman Craig Biggio, who retired that offseason. Lance Berkman led Houston with 29 home runs during Matsui's first season, and Roy Oswalt was the ace of the starting rotation. 

At that time, Houston was still a member of the National League Central, joining the AL West in 2013 to rebalance MLB into two 15-team leagues. 

Imai joins Matsui, outfielder Nori Aoki, and left-hander Yusei Kikuchi as one of the four Japanese players to play with Houston. 

More Astros News:

• Astros slugger reportedly being viewed as a trade target for the Red Sox after earning his second All-Star nod last season
• Astros acquire pitching prospect and former UConn star in trade idea with Dodgers
• Astros get significant trade update on Marlins' 3.53 ERA righty starter
• Astros receive worst grade in Pirates, Rays three-team trade
• Astros predicted to sign Rangers All-Star and World Series champion who was recently non-tendered