Teams have until Jan. 2 to sign Japanese free-agent RHP Imai

Nov 18, 2025, 01:31 PM ET

NEW YORK — Right-hander Tatsuya Imai is entering Major League Baseball’s posting system and will be available to teams to sign as a free agent from Wednesday through Jan. 2.

He joins power-hitting corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, whose 45-day window to sign expires Dec. 22.

Tatsya Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander, went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA this season with the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, striking out 178 batters in 163 2/3 innings. Sports Nippon/Getty Images)

A 27-year-old right-hander, Imai went 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA this season with the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions. He struck out 178 batters in 163â…” innings.

Imai is 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA in eight seasons with Seibu, with 907 strikeouts in 963â…” innings. He is a three-time All-Star.

Imai pitched eight innings of a combined no-hitter against Fukuoka on April 18. He struck out 17 against Yokohama on June 17, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka’s previous team record of 16 from 2004.

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Under MLB’s posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, the posting fee would be 20% of the first $25 million of a major league contract, including earned bonuses and options. The percentage drops to 17.5% of the next $25 million and 15% of any amount over $50 million.

There would be a supplemental fee of 15% of any earned bonuses, salary escalators and exercised options.

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